Afraid to Die

Synopsis

Afraid to Die (からっ風野郎) is a 1960 Japanese crime drama film directed by Yasuzo Masumura, starring the renowned writer Yukio Mishima. The movie revolves around a young yakuza who aims to establish himself as a big name in the underworld but faces a series of challenges and dilemmas that question his loyalty, ambition, and mortality. As he navigates through the treacherous and violent world of organized crime, he confronts his fears, vulnerabilities, and the consequences of his choices. Set against a backdrop of betrayal, honor, and power struggles, Afraid to Die delves into the psychological complexities of its characters and the harsh reality of their existence.

Cast

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  Yukio Mishima

  Takeo Asahina

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  Ayako Wakao

  Yoshie Koizumi

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  Keizō Kawasaki

  Shoichi Koizumi

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  Eiji Funakoshi

  Susumu Aikawa

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  Takashi Shimura

  Gohei Hirayama

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  Yoshie Mizutani

  Masako Katori

Reviews

Afraid to Die has garnered mixed critical reception over the years. While some critics praised its raw portrayal of the yakuza world and the intensity of Yukio Mishima's performance, others found fault in its pacing and character development. The film carries a sense of bleak authenticity that resonates with viewers, showcasing the dark and gritty underbelly of the criminal underworld. On IMDb, Afraid to Die holds a rating of 6.4/10, indicating a polarizing response from audiences. Despite its shortcomings, the movie offers a compelling narrative and a chilling insight into the moral dilemmas faced by its characters.