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The Boxer A former boxing champ on the skids (Bunta Sugawara, Japanese Godfather) finds an opportunity for redemption by training a young fighter everyone judges beyond hope (Kentaro Shimizu, Mermaid Legend). Legendary director and playwright Shuji Terayama (Throw Away Your Books, Rally in the Streets) made The Boxer for major studio Toei, at the request of lead actor Sugawara. While the story has the studio's trademark gritty 1970s setting, Terayama imbues the film with his characteristic carnivalesque atmosphere and his unparalleled passion for sports, resulting in a boxing movie like no other and a unique entry in his own filmography. BLU-RAY LIMITED EDITION SPECIAL FEATURES High definition digital transfer Original uncompressed mono audio Interview with composer J.A. Seazer (2026, 19 mins) New visual essay on Toei studio in the year 1977 by Tom Mes (2026, 12 mins) New and improved English subtitle translation Reversible sleeve featuring artwork based on original posters Limited edition booklet featuring new writing by Maria Roberta Novielli Limited edition of 3000 copies, presented in full-height Scanavo packaging with removable OBI strip leaving packaging free of certificates and markings The Boxer is also available in the US/Canada via our partners, MVD, Diabolik, Orbit, Grindhouse, Rough Cut and others. Year: 1977 Country: Japan Cert: 15 Format: Blu-ray Region: AB RAD183BDLE EAN: 5060974683635 Release date: 20/07/26 Press: "Will stay with you for all the right reasons... A worthy contender for the title of “Best boxing movie ever made”" - Japan Nakama
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The Boxer (1977)
94 min
In the midst of a match, Hayato, a successful boxer, has had enough of the sport. He lets himself get knocked out, and quits boxing, leaving his wife and living alone with his mangy dog. One day a young mediocre boxer knocks at the door and wants to be Hayato's apprentice.