The Hard Core Criminal (1973): cast, story & where to watch

1973 · Film · ★ 7.5

The Hard Core Criminal poster

Released in 1973, The Hard Core Criminal is a thriller and crime film directed by Shigehiro Ozawa, running about 90 minutes.

What it’s about. In the 20th century, the Japanese government exploits prisoners as expendable slave laborers in a coal mine, which results in conflict between the prisoners and the warden to escalate.

Who’s in it. The Hard Core Criminal stars Koji Tsuruta, Gorō Ibuki, Minoru Oki and Yuriko Hishimi, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.5/10, The Hard Core Criminal has been warmly received by audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Hard Core Criminal page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Hard Core Criminal tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Hard Core Criminal (1973)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Hard Core Criminal change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Hard Core Criminal worth watching?
The Hard Core Criminal holds an audience score of 7.5 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller and crime. Most viewers rate it highly.
Who stars in The Hard Core Criminal?
The Hard Core Criminal stars Koji Tsuruta, Gorō Ibuki, Minoru Oki, Yuriko Hishimi and Yoko Horikoshi.
When was The Hard Core Criminal released?
The Hard Core Criminal was released in 1973, with a runtime of about 90 minutes.