Black Belt (Kuro-obi) 2007

The events take place in 1932 in Japanese-occupied Manchuria. The corrupt leaders of the Japanese army are trying to take over all the Karate dojos /training halls for their own personal benefit. Amidst these circumstances the master, Eiken Shibahara dies before passing on the Kuroobi/ black belt to his successor; leaving three of his pupils Taikan (portrayed by Tatsuya Naka 7th Dan JKA Shotokan karate), Giryu (portrayed by Akihito Yagi 7th Dan Meibukan Gōjū-ryū Karate) and Choei (portrayed by Yuji Suzuki, 1st Dan JKA Shotokan karate) the task of deciding amongst themselves who deserves it most. After they bury their master, they are forced to leave the dojo and join the Japanese army. At this point, their journey leads them on rather different paths both in life and in the understanding of their master's teachings of martial arts, only to reunite them at the end, in a battle of corruption vs tradition.

Director: Nagasaki Shunichi

Stars: Yagi Akihito, Naka Tatsuya, Suzuki Yuji,

JDramaMama's Rating: B

This was a very good film about friendship, loyalty and dedication to one's art. I also liked the fact that the lead roles were played by karate experts, and no special effects were used. Highly recommend it.

#Japan #action #martialarts #historical