Men of Rage (1994)

Overview

The second installment of a V-Cinema sports drama, directed by Kurosawa in 1994, following "打鐘" (Dakan) from 1993, which was based on Yamamoto's manga and directed by Komatsu Takashi. While there is no direct narrative connection between the two films, they share thematic similarities. The protagonist, Wataru Tachibana, a self-destructive yet genius keirin cyclist, is once again passionately portrayed by Nishimura. This time, Wataru fiercely competes against a rival known as the "Prince of Keirin," who is also the heir of a powerful conglomerate. Kurosawa directs with intense and dramatic storytelling, capturing the protagonist’s burning determination.