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Action Cult Classic

Karate justice meets the criminal underworld in Sonny Chiba’s hard-hitting anti-drug crusade.

THE BODYGUARD

Sonny Chiba, hired to kill... If his kick doesn't get you... his fatal fist will!

1973 · 1h 27m · PG · Action / Crime / Drama / Thriller · IMDB TMDB

Karate master and anti-drug vigilante Kiba returns to his home in Japan, where he aims to wipe out the nation's drug industry.

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Quick Answer
What is The Bodyguard about?

The Bodyguard is a 1973 Japanese action, crime, drama, and thriller film directed by Ryuichi Takamori about a karate master and anti-drug vigilante who returns home to take on Japan’s drug industry and protect a mysterious informant.

Synopsis

Karate master and anti-drug vigilante Chiba returns to his home in Japan, where he holds a press conference announcing his intention to wipe out the nation's drug industry. He also offers his services as a bodyguard to anyone who is willing to come forward and provide information about the drug lords' activities. He is soon approached by a mysterious woman claiming to have important information and asking for Chiba's protection. She seems to be legitimate, but is she really what she appears to be?
Details & Specs
Director
Ryuichi Takamori
Writers
Ikki Kajiwara, Ryuzo Nakanishi
Release
1973
Runtime
1h 27m
Country
Japan
Language
Japanese
Genres
Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Also Known As
Karate Kiba, Bodyguard Kiba, Bodigaado Kiba (original title)

Why Cult

Karate Master Vigilante

Sonny Chiba channels raw power as Naoto Kiba, crusading against Japan’s drug underworld with martial arts fury.

Anti-Drug Crusade

The plot centers on a bold anti-drug campaign, serving up both social commentary and bone-crunching action.

Mysterious Informant Twist

A shadowy woman seeking protection adds intrigue—her true intentions keeping both Chiba and viewers guessing.

Themes & Keywords

Questions from the Vault

What is The Bodyguard about? +

The Bodyguard follows karate master and anti-drug vigilante Kiba as he returns to Japan to dismantle the drug industry and protect a mysterious informant.

When was The Bodyguard released? +

The Bodyguard was released in 1973.

Who directed The Bodyguard? +

The Bodyguard was directed by Ryuichi Takamori.

How long is The Bodyguard? +

The Bodyguard has a runtime of 87 minutes.

What genre is The Bodyguard? +

The Bodyguard is an action, crime, drama, and thriller film.

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