A yakuza is murdered on rival turf, providing the catalyst for a gang war between a number of factions seeking a redistribution of power.

A yakuza (played by Takashi Miike himself in a cameo) is murdered after violently assaulting a hostess on rival turf, providing the catalyst for a gang war between a number of factions seeking a redistribution of power.

In this densely-layered gangland drama , the backroom maneuvering of the senior figures in the yakuza, overseen by Mr. Kaito (Hiroki Matsukata, The Rapacious Jailbreaker), are juxtaposed against the actions of the street-level mobsters, as the two sides head towards an inevitable collision.

Written by Graveyard of Honor scribe Shigenori Takechi, Miike directed Agitator in 2001, arguably the most notable year of his career, alongside Ichi the Killer, Visitor Q, and The Happiness of the Katakuris. Epic in scope, the film is presented here in its original theatrical version, and in a two-part, 200-minute extended version, until now only available on Japanese VHS.

Media

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Bonus Materials

• High-definition digital transfer of theatrical version of Agitator
• Standard definition transfer of 200 minute extended version of Agitator, presented in its original two-part form
• Original uncompressed mono audio
• Newly filmed interview with Takashi Miike (2025)
• Audio commentary by Tom Mes
• Newly improved subtitle translation
• Trailer
• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Time Tomorrow
• Limited edition booklet featuring new writing by Tom Mes

 

Cast & Crew

Actors:

•       Taisaku Akino
•       Toshikazu Atsushiba
•       Naoyuki Chiba
•       Mickey Curtis
•       Ken'ichi Endô

Director: Takashi Miike

Additional Details

Label: Radiance

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Language: Japanese

Run Time: 150 mins

Region: 0

Release Date: 03/24/26

UPC: 760137205050