The Bodyguard

Synopsis

The Bodyguard (1973), originally titled ボディガード牙, stars Sonny Chiba in a gritty and intense action thriller. The film centers on the skilled and relentless bodyguard who is hired to protect a young woman from a relentless gang of assailants. Set against a backdrop of urban danger and betrayal, Chiba's character uses his martial arts expertise to face numerous challenges and lethal threats, striving to ensure his client's safety. The movie blends raw action sequences with a dark narrative exploring loyalty, survival, and honor within the criminal underworld of 1970s Japan.

Cast

• 

  Sonny Chiba

  Naoto Kiba

• 

  Mari Atsumi

  Reiko Miwa

• Kinji Takinami

  Shigeru Kumazawa

• 

  Ryōhei Uchida

  Takami

• 

  Yayoi Watanabe

  Maki Kasuga

• 

  Saburo Date

Reviews

The Bodyguard (1973) has elicited mixed reactions from critics and audiences alike. On IMDb, the film holds a modest rating of 5.2/10, reflecting diverse opinions regarding its storyline and pacing. Many viewers praise Sonny Chiba's performance for bringing a compelling physicality and intensity to the lead role, with some calling the action sequences 'authentic and gripping.' However, others criticize the film for its uneven narrative and occasionally dated production values which may limit its appeal to contemporary audiences. While it lacks the polish of more mainstream action movies, fans of vintage martial arts cinema appreciate its raw energy and choreography. Rotten Tomatoes does not list an official score, indicating limited mainstream critical coverage. Metacritic also lacks a formal aggregate score, highlighting its niche status but cult appeal among aficionados of classic Japanese action films.