Satoshi Tsumabuki, Tatsuya Fujiwara

Takashi Miike (Full Metal Yakuza, The Black Society Trilogy), one of the most prolific directors in chambara today delivers a haunting tale set in the Tokugawa Era. Framed for a crime he did not commi...( read more  read more... )t, Eiji is subjected to the harsh realities of the Ishikawa Island workhouse. Sabu, Eiji's longtime friend, must discover who is responsible for Eiji's incarceration, before the prison life consumes him completely. Adapted from the classic Japanese rites of passage novel by Shugoru Yamamoto, Miike uses the work to his own purpose with his usual flair.

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64% liked it

599 ratings

Unrated, 122 min.

Directed by: Takashi Miike

Release Date: May 14, 2002

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DVD Release Date: April 12, 2005

Stats: 37 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (37)


  • May 25, 2008
    Sabu is a very solid period drama about two friends who are caught up in the ultimate test. As Eiji is sent off to a prison/labor work camp on an island for a crime he didn't commit Sabu is determined to keep his spirits up and clear every thing up for him. Over the course of t...( read more)he story all the characters change and the lives of all come together as most of the main characters become adults. The character of Nobuko and her pimp which ends up on the island with Eiji was the most powerful part of the film. The film is about growing up and forgiving those who have harmed you for the sake of those you love. The movie ended with a delicate note and well deserved all the high praise it got. It's new territory for Miike, but he did it well.
  • January 18, 2008
    Good made for Japanese television film by Miike. Some great visuals in this somewhat tame outing from the master of the bizarre.
  • September 20, 2007
    probably one of the slowest movies i have ever seen. this was one of takashi miike's more tame films. i love tatsuya fujiwara but this movie was bad.
  • March 4, 2007
    This is probably my least favorite Takashi Miike movie as he takes on the drama genre once again. I'm not Japanese, so I'm probably missing a lot of key elements. Basically, this movie depicts the journey of one character as you see what comes of him after so many years. There...( read more) are transitions back and forth between childhood years and the present. It was really hard to sit through this one till the end. I would recommend the Dead or Alive series or Ichi the Killer instead.

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  • In "Caddyshack," who said, "Hey Sabu, can you make a bull shot"?  Answer »
  • Beginning at age 13 in 1937, this Indian actor appeared in 23 movies, the last being in 1964. Nearly all used the jungles of India as a background. His roles were generally as a handsome teenager with an affinity for animals of the jungle. What was this actor's name?   Answer »

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