Lightning Karate Blow (1956)
Overview
Ken Takakura's screen debut, following his admission into Toei ranks via the studio's annual New Faces program, came surprisingly enough in this pair of Okinawa karate films. The two-parter was released on Jan. 29, 1956 as two thirds of a triple feature. Both halves run just under one hour. The fighting is actually pretty good for the time, and it's fun to see Takakura as an impatient, bearded karate rascal.
Cast
Ken Takakura
Harumi Urazato
Susumu Namishima
Takashi Kanda
Higa Saburo (Gisen's Disciple)
Isao Yamagata
Nagoe Gisen
Toranosuke Ogawa
Yoshi Katō
Takamaru Sasaki
Akikane Sawa
Mayumi Fujisato
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