FEEL IT.STREAM
Ken Tanaka

Ken Tanaka

Acting

Known For

Falcons of Edo
8.5

In the 1770's, the shrewdest man of the age, Tanuma Okitsugu, had abused his political power, and the corruption of government officials and moral decay of the public were prevalent. At that time, there was a box for complaints made by the general public. It was called "Meyasubako" and was placed at the front gate of the central government's Supreme Court. The appeals went directly to the shogun who assigned the “Otakagumi” (Falconers Unit) to investigate. Led by Uchiyama Kanbei (samurai superstar Mifune Toshiro) they fought injustice and helped the oppressed. Not only were they skilled swordsmen, but their trained falcons would swoop down on enemy troops, especially those using firearms. Superb fighting throughout with Mifune at the forefront in one of his finest roles. As the vile Tanuma Okitsugu continues to abuse his political power, more and more clashes with the Falcons of Edo, who stand for justice and morality are bound to occur, leading to a conclusion the likes of which has never been seen. Putting his life on the line, time and time again, Uchiyama Kanbei fights to prevent Tanuma from destroying the falconers’ group and take him to task for his vicious treatment of the Japanese people. Aided by his trusty Vice-Chief Ichiyanagi Kakuto, he wades bravely into battle in a land where “Take no prisoners” is the mantra. Brilliant fighting and a clever story line create a highly charged action series that brings out the best in samurai cinema. Can the Falcons of Edo prevail and save Japan from being crushed underfoot!

Falcons of Edo

1978Series
Blood Stained Crest

Showa 38. In those days when golden badges gleamed on lapels, the Shoryu-kai reigned in the east and the Akutsu Federation in the west. Positioned between them was the old-school Yoshida-ikka, which fell victim to a surprise attack by the Shoryu-kai that disregarded the code of honour. Witnessing this, the Akutsu Federation sent Katsuragi (Hitoshi Ozawa), assistant underboss of the Hyodo-gumi, to try to bring the Yoshida-ikka under their umbrella first. Takayama (Ken Tanaka), the second-in-command of the Yoshida Family, could not bring himself to agree to a 4:6 split, even though the proposal came from his sworn brother, Katsuragi. Meanwhile, Ōba, the second-in-command of the Hyōdō-gumi, attacked the Yoshida Family to prevent Katsuragi from taking the credit. With his boss murdered, Takayama, a long dagger in hand, quietly rises to face the challenge alone…!

Blood Stained Crest

1994Movie