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Bodyguard Kiba: A Takashi Mike Film
- Director: Takashi Miike
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Description
This slam-bang outing from Sonny Chiba is a good example of how Eastern genre fare was packaged and marketed for American release. The Bodyguard was originally known as Bodyguard Kiba (not Karate Kiba as some sources claim) and was based upon a comic book by Ikki Kajiwara. In the film version, Chiba plays a tough bodyguard named Kiba who vows to wipe out the drug trafficking in Japan and offers his services to anyone who can give him information on who runs the drug trade. His offer is taken by a young lady on the run from some criminals and soon discovers she has a secret agenda that will lead him right into his enemy's den. The film was released in the U.S. in 1976 and featured a new prologue sequence produced by American distributor Terry Levene that features a pair of martial artists discussing Sonny Chiba and his whereabouts while showing off their skills. It also changed Kiba's named to Chiba and added bible-quoting opening titles that would later inspire a famous scene in Pulp Fiction. The end result became a favorite at American grindhouses and stands alongside The Streetfighter as one of the best-known Chiba vehicles to Western fans. Donald Guarisco, All Movie Guide
Features
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Theme: Bodyguards
- Release Date: July 25, 2006
- Rating: NR (Not Rated)Rating Opens in New Window
- Studio: Tokyo Shock
- Director: Takashi Miike
- Picture Format: Letterbox
- Run Time: 1 hr 33 min
- Language: Japanese
- Subtitle Language: English
- Format: DVD
Additional Information
- DPCI: 246-01-4198
- ASIN: B002IKCIPA
- Catalog #: 11352628
- Item can not be gift wrapped.
Shipping & Policies
- You may return this item to any Target store.Opens in New Window
- Shipping & Delivery InformationOpens in New Window
- Estimated Ship Dimensions : 7.51 inches length x 6.3 inches width x 0.39 inches height
- Estimated Ship Weight: 0.58 pound.
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Expert Reviews
At first, it might be hard to tell why The Bodyguard is one of Sonny Chiba's most popular vehicles amongst American fans: it is standard-issue stuff in terms of plot, with a simple story that mixes drug-smuggling and organized crime elements with a few double-crosses into a potboiler that is driven primarily by its action scenes. Needless to say, one shouldn't be expecting rich characterizations or heavy drama. However, The Bodyguard delivers plenty of action at a straightforward clip and this approach will work for martial arts film fans thanks to the presence of Chiba. He brings a cool yet surly presence to the material, dispatching one foe after another guaranteed in ways that will please grindhouse fans (one unlucky henchman gets his arm pulled through a door and hacked off). The American version also adds a delightfully bizarre opening sequence, including a bible-quote text scroll that should be familiar to fans of Pulp Fiction and a scene where two karate experts show off their moves while debating the merits of Bruce Lee and Sonny Chiba. All in all, The Bodyguard is lightweight stuff, even by b-movie standards, but Chiba fans and grindhouse buffs will want to check it out nonetheless. Donald Guarisco, All Movie Guide
