Men of Rage
dir. Kiyoshi Kurosawa · 1994
The struggle for personal identity and fulfillment often leads individuals to confront their own limitations and the pressures imposed by society.
Plot
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.
Why watch
"Men of Rage" immerses viewers in the gritty world of keirin cycling, where obsession, rivalry, and the quest for redemption collide. With its dramatic storytelling and intense character portrayal, this film captures the raw determination of an underdog fighting against the weight of legacy.