Blazing Fists (2025) Movie Script
1
Akai.
You know, being sent
to juvenile hall isn't punishment.
Here, you wake up early each morning
and lead a normal life.
Use this to reassess your future
and rehabilitate yourself.
View your sentence as an opportunity.
I figured I'd keep quiet,
get discharged as soon as possible,
and once out,
say goodbye to being a delinquent.
Or so I thought.
Then I met him.
New here?
The crisp uniform is a giveaway.
Why're you in juvie?
Robbery, assault, disorderly conduct?
Attempted murder, perhaps?
All of the above.
Nice meeting you.
Yeah, sure. You too.
I'm Ryoma Akai.
Ikuto Yagura. Call me Ikuto.
I see. Well, call me Ryoma.
Ryoma.
What're you in for?
Me?
I... I'd rather not say.
Really...
That makes me curious.
Tell me later.
In time.
Old man...
Did you just call me old man?
I guess I did.
I ain't no fucking old man.
I'm 18 and a senior
at Suzuran High School, Takashi Makise!
Seriously? A year older than me?
Ain't no one here called me old man
and lived to tell about it!
Yagura!
At it again?
Seems so.
So, another week in solitary?
You just tore your uniform up
in the last fight.
It'll come out in the wash.
That's not the point, troublemaker!
Ryoma.
Be seeing you.
Sure.
Move it!
This is how I met Ikuto.
I learned later that
he's a tough guy feared by all
in juvie hall.
Had I known,
I wouldn't have talked to him.
But maybe that's how people meet.
Gather around!
As you know, there's a lecture today.
- Yes, sir!
- Yes, sir!
Giving it will be
the fighter Mikuru Asakura.
Who's that?
You don't know?
He's famous on the Internet.
Okay.
Don't you know Breaking Down?
No, I've been stuck in here for a year.
Oh, right.
Hearing his story changed everything
for me and Ikuto
from that point onward.
Hello. I'm Mikuru Asakura.
This is sudden, but I want to ask
if you find being here a bore.
Well?
Raise your hand
if you never want to end up here again.
As I thought.
Who among you has a dream?
Please raise your hand.
Here.
Explain.
I want to play pro basketball.
A basketball player? Sweet.
Here.
Proceed.
After I leave, I want to train
and become a pro fighter.
Ah, a fighter. Very nice.
Actually, I also wanted to be a fighter
when I was in juvie.
I made it a reality.
Anybody else with dreams?
Really? Just two of you?
Once more, I'll ask again
if anyone has a dream.
- Here!
- Here!
I want to be a futsal player.
I'm sure you will.
Thank you!
Here!
A cook.
I bet you'll do it.
Thanks!
A small-animal caretaker.
Don't worry. It will come true.
A keirin cyclist.
- Keirin cyclist?
- Yes, sir!
You can do it.
Thank you!
Serious effort pays off.
I made it happen, you can too.
Set your mind to a goal
and don't get sidetracked.
Do that and you will succeed.
You can start over again.
Do your best.
I'd like to talk to that guy.
Breaking Down.
Huh?
I told you. It's what he does.
He gathers delinquents,
amateurs, and even pros
from across Japan
for one-minute, one-round fights.
Where?
In the ring.
Get in and you can talk to him.
Yagura! Akai! How long do you plan
to loaf around in here?
Sorry.
Yagura.
What's with the look?
Get fucking real.
Bastards like you can dream,
but it's useless.
Do everyone a favor and,
once you're out of here,
find the nearest hole and crawl into it!
Yagura.
Robbery and attempted murder
at your age...
Like father, like son, huh?
Next time won't be here. It'll be jail.
Just like your daddy.
I didn't rob anyone.
Really?
I was framed.
Seriously?
It was some other guy.
That really sucks.
Blaming others is for shit.
It's what put me in here.
Tough break. Why were you blamed?
A businessman said
his wallet was robbed at knifepoint.
The culprit wore a green hoodie,
the same as I had on.
Green hoodie...
Robbed at knifepoint...
Hold it! Not so fast.
My money, take it all.
Don't do anything rash!
Fuck. That was me.
Ryoma?
Oh, yeah. What a bitch.
Kinda funny, no?
Not really.
Ikuto.
What if you find the guy?
No, forget it. It's not important.
I'll mince him.
Mince?
I've been in here for a year and a half.
I'll turn the guy into pulp.
Sounds about right.
From that night on, Ikuto worked out.
Before long, I joined in.
Fifty-eight, fifty-nine...
Last one, 60!
Okay.
That's one tough minute.
Breaking Down allows kicking,
so it's even tougher.
What are you losers up to?
Not Hakamada again.
What are you doing?
I see.
You took Asakura's talk to heart
and think you're gonna be fighters.
Fucking idiots.
You gotta be special to do that.
Guys like you are doomed
to live hand to mouth--
He said if we work hard,
our dreams will come true.
People here are here because
they can't get their shit together.
That Mikuru Asakura is an exception.
Truth is, people willing to work hard
don't wind up here.
Maybe you too?
Maybe you're here because
you couldn't get your shit together.
Ikuto...
Yagura...
You're an annoying prick.
You see your mother tomorrow.
I'll join the fun.
Ikuto...
I'm Hakamada, an instructor here.
Nice to meet you. I'm Ikuto's mother.
Please.
Next month, on the 20th?
You want to see about parole.
Yes, if it's possible.
To be honest, there are issues with Ikuto.
Yesterday, he lashed out
at me for no reason.
He even insulted my work.
Really?
Really. He said
I didn't try hard enough in life,
and that's why
I'm an instructor at a juvie hall.
Ikuto.
Isn't that right, Yagura?
Yeah, I said that.
Regrettably, parole is impossible.
I don't understand.
I think you do.
This is a rehabilitation facility.
Our job is to re-educate boys.
Verbal abuse is a form of violence.
Without correction,
he'll wind up right back in here.
In the end, he'll be like his father.
And that means?
It means his next stop is prison.
My husband isn't in prison.
He's at a detention center.
It's the same thing.
Japan has a conviction rate of 99%.
Shut your mouth.
Ikuto.
Verbal abuse?
If so, this is much more violent.
I'm just stating facts.
If you can't abide,
you're not ready to leave.
What? Gonna hit me?
Verbal abuse is one thing.
Hitting someone is true violence.
Go for it.
Well?
Yagura.
You want out that much?
Of course. I've got plans.
This place is a waste...
Then, on your knees.
What?
Kneel before me in front of your mom.
Without that level of resolve,
you'll never be rehabilitated.
You're the son of a killer in juvie.
What the hell?
Bastard, don't insult my husband.
Don't you care about your son?
It's nothing to do with him.
I'm the one who slapped you.
That's not how it works.
Oh... Is that a fact?
Tell it to the mic.
I'll send it to your boss.
On second thought, the news.
Without that level of resolve,
you'll never be rehabilitated.
You're the son of a killer in juvie.
We're dealing with a lawsuit,
so we have a lawyer.
You thought I had no one to turn to?
Hold on... That's...
I have a question.
Did Ikuto verbally abuse you?
Well, uh...
What's your answer, Mr. Hakamada?
Thank you very much.
No, thank you.
Ikuto, hang in there.
That was incredible.
Very cool.
Have you changed?
About that.
I've been through a lot the past year.
Yeah...
Ma'am,
Ikuto will be alright.
I see no trouble with parole.
I think he'll be fine.
Thank you so much.
Thanks so much, Ms. Akai.
Don't mention it. I've got the day off.
Ikuto, you should thank her too.
Thanks.
No problem. He's a friend of Ryoma's.
Where's my phone?
I have it.
What are you doing?
All my contacts. I deleted them.
For real?
I've got plans.
I want to meet someone.
That's why I practice fighting.
Fighting?
Fighting in the ring.
That means?
If I may.
I want to fight too.
Of all the stupid things...
We're fresh out of juvie.
I was told because I'm underage,
I won't have a record.
But everyone knows.
It'll no doubt follow me forever.
I'll never get out of this.
I'm driving. Can we talk later?
What?
Sure...
It's your life.
Use it as you like.
Just don't do anything
that'll put you back in juvie.
I understand.
- Mrs. Akai.
- Yeah?
Mind taking me to see my dad?
Ikuto, what?
Sorry about that.
Sure, we're driving anyway.
Well, where is he?
Tokyo Detention Center.
What?
- You're driving, right? Eyes on the road.
- Stuff it.
I can drive this road blindfolded.
Tokyo Detention Center?
Mom.
Put a sock in it!
Won't you see him, Haruka?
I come every week.
I see.
It's his first time here.
He resents him.
He said people started looking down
on him because of his father's crime.
Really... Wonder why he came, then.
Ikuto.
It's been five years.
Yeah.
I heard you don't visit
because you hate me.
I see...
I guess you do.
I'd never forgive you
if you killed someone.
Is it true?
No, it's not.
I didn't believe it.
But me too...
I was thrown into juvie
for something I didn't do.
It got me thinking...
I see.
Did you do it?
No, I didn't.
The news said she was killed
over a love affair.
It's complete hogwash.
Why were you there?
As her boss, I was helping her.
She had issues.
She called me out of the blue,
saying she wanted to die.
I rushed over in a panic.
The knife was at her neck.
She was suicidal.
I tried to stop her but was too late.
Seeing me covered in blood,
the police assumed I'd killed her.
I'll never forgive the prosecutor.
He treats me like a criminal
from the start,
telling me to confess
for a lighter sentence.
Total bullshit.
If you didn't do it,
you wouldn't admit it, right?
Of course not.
The Supreme Court will issue its ruling
in three months.
It will be overturned.
I'm sure of it.
You're fighting for your life, Dad.
For certain.
I'm fighting.
You too. I know it's not easy.
Stay strong.
I will.
We won't lose.
We're going to win.
He's in.
That's obvious.
Got a problem with it?
I guess not.
Where are you going?
Well! Catch a cold and I won't let you in!
Fucking kid!
I'm starving.
Krishna...
Are they back in town?
Been a while.
If it isn't Mido.
A top dude coming out just for me.
So, how's it going with your boss?
Don't play dumb.
He was burnt to death yesterday.
My condolences.
Don't feign innocence.
The thing is, me and you...
Alright.
A thing of beauty!
Before you weld,
you must learn to remove burrs.
Try it.
I'm cool.
- Do it.
- It's dangerous.
Do it.
Damn, you sick?
I'm fine.
- Try it.
- No, thanks.
- Do it.
- I'd rather not.
- Do it.
- No, thanks.
Come on.
- No, thanks.
- I need your help here.
Sure thing!
Do it.
- Yes, sir.
- Yes, sir.
Go for it.
You got the flu?
No fucking way. Give me a break.
This blows. We shoulda gone
with my probation officer's suggestion.
The pay is better here.
But this is tougher and more dangerous,
and there aren't any girls.
You need money to go to the gym, right?
It's not just about the money...
Ikuto Yagura, right?
From Hana High School.
My face is covered. You got good vision.
I know those eyes.
Heard you got expelled
and ended up in juvie.
You got out?
That's obvious, no?
Huh?
Hey, you!
What was with that street crossing
back there? It was nearly a disaster.
You almost caused a car accident!
What's your problem?
Name's Jun Kishomaru.
I don't wanna see your mug
around here no more, Yagura.
Are you listening to me?
Hey!
Listen to the police!
Hey, you...
At least look at me!
That's it, let's take the other job.
Why?
Why? It's dangerous around here.
Not our concern.
Huh? We're on probation.
Get in trouble and it's back to juvie.
Think of it as Breaking Down practice.
Practice?
This won't end well.
I'm gonna waste Yagura.
He's all mine.
Abeken.
Yeah?
Didn't he trash your ass
before getting locked up?
Abeken.
Didn't he trash your ass
before getting locked up?
He repeated himself!
- Wanna die?
- Abeken.
What?
You can't do shit with your hands.
Don't get cocky, punk.
Wanna try me?
So, who is it
that can't do shit?
You.
Where you been?
Sick fuck.
Hey!
Can't you read?
"No fighting in the bar."
Have a coffee and calm down.
Got it.
You guys,
if you want to fight so badly, go here.
What's this?
Kickboxing?
It's a gym run by a pal of mine.
They're looking for students.
TRAIN WITH US!
HINOTAKA KICKBOXING GYM
No drinking or smoking allowed here.
Yeah, right?
Why are those two so obedient
to the owner?
Don't you know, you idiots?
Know what?
Even in summer, he wears long sleeves.
Know why?
No.
Why?
He's got tattoos.
Once,
he had his sleeves up when washing dishes.
He had tats down to here.
A former yakuza?
Kishomaru's dad was one too.
Might be a connection.
Nice.
Let it out!
Keep it up.
- Okay.
- Thanks.
- Very good, Tamaki.
- Thank you.
Looking around?
I guess.
My joint isn't big. On the other hand,
since we have fewer trainees,
you'll be trained well.
Hey...
I wanna take that guy on.
Don't be stupid.
You don't start with pros.
I don't mind, Mr. Hino.
Get real, Tamaki.
I was like him at first.
Please let him in.
You're kidding.
Hands in too deep,
you'll hurt your fingers and wrists.
Sawa, you ref.
Got it.
Alright, get ready.
We're even ringing the bell for you.
Fight.
Yeah! That's it!
Come on, watch and hit him!
I am watching!
Are you ready?
Let him.
Well, well.
He hit him.
You hit him!
Motherfucker!
That's enough!
Not yet!
Enough! Stop!
I'm just getting warmed up.
Ikuto, are you okay?
Hey.
Like my gym?
Wanna join?
Right.
Ikuto.
That was...
That was...
Was what?
That was awesome.
You're an idiot.
- Hey, Sugano!
- Yes!
Ice for the swelling!
Yes, sir.
Take it for polishing.
- Got it.
- Okay.
Polishing!
Got it.
Hey! On the right!
- Sorry!
- Go right, dummies.
From then on,
I'd go with Ikuto straight
to the gym after work.
Nine, ten...
Ten more! Come on!
- One...
- Tighten all your fingers.
Bring it closer to the chest.
One, two... That's right.
That's a fighting punch.
Tighten in
and lower the center of gravity.
Turn and lower.
Lower down to here.
Faster. Keep it up.
That's enough.
Very good.
- Here.
- I'm so tired.
Hitting sandbags,
mitt training in the ring...
We sweat to near collapse.
Our goal is Breaking Down.
Thanks.
Jab, jab, straight, middle, straight...
Middle, straight, middle.
Welcome...
Ms. Akai?
It's almost noon. Why not join me?
Fried shrimp or salmon. Which will it be?
Salmon...
I learned yesterday that
Ryoma goes to the gym with Ikuto.
You didn't know?
We haven't had much chance to talk.
That's too bad.
Working nights, I come home late.
My guy... He's always coming over.
And Ryoma was gone so long.
I see.
I asked about all the laundry.
That's when he told me.
He said Ikuto's amazing.
He gets stronger all the time.
Is that a good thing?
I think it is.
My Ryoma did things that put him in juvie.
Because of Ikuto,
Ryoma works and goes to a gym.
Even so, I don't think he has
what it takes to be a fighter.
I'm not so sure...
It's Ikuto.
It's Ryoma.
- Hello. What is it?
- Hello. What is it?
- Ah, it's me.
- Ah, it's me.
- We're going to audition.
- We're going to audition.
Audition?
We got a text.
From the Breaking Down office.
Both of us.
My mom's with your mom now.
Huh?
But it's just an audition, right?
It is! Only 1 in 10 gets accepted.
Most get rejected
at the document screening.
So, how'd you pass?
How?
I'm not sure.
You idiot.
He spoke to us in juvie hall.
Said if we work hard,
we can make it.
That's great.
I mentioned it
in the Breaking Down application video.
He must've watched it.
Well, give it your best shot.
Because of this, you hit the brakes
before going over the cliff.
What's that mean?
But there are those who
have yet to hit the brakes.
They swarm around us.
Yagura goes to this gym?
Saw him practicing.
After juvie, he's been hanging out
at some factory with, uh...
Ryoma Akai. We went to the same school.
Right, with that Ryoma guy.
I'll take a peek at that gym.
Gonna take Ikuto out?
I'm in too.
Fuck yeah.
Let's party.
Not so fast.
There's no stopping me.
It's your funeral.
Catch you later!
Huh? No way.
What is it?
Why is Yukina here?
Yukina?
Yukina Tamaki, we went to school together.
She was famous then too.
Famous?
As an influencer.
She's got 300,000 followers.
Hold on a sec.
What? Ryoma?
It's been a while, Yukina.
Wait a sec...
That's my sister.
No way!
Coulda fooled me.
Right?
Is he your friend?
Yeah, he is.
Something like that.
Yagura? Could it be?
Ikuto Yagura, right?
Yeah. Do you know me?
You used to be famous until a year ago!
Everyone around here knows you.
All alone, you beat up
ten guys from another school.
I heard that. Don't tell me it was you.
It was only five or six.
- I heard it was 20!
- Impossible!
Even five is amazing. Everyone says
you're the strongest guy around.
Well,
I no longer brawl.
Really... What a surprise.
It's him.
Jun...
Kishomaru...
Pain in my balls.
Without the fight, what the fuck are you?
Abeken, how's the busted nose?
A knife again?
You never learn, do you?
I'm gonna kill you.
Abeken!
Cut the shit.
We're just paying a visit.
Right, Jun?
Sure.
I came to see Breaking Down
wannabes fake fight.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Since you think it's fake,
why not join the fun?
In the ring.
What's the matter? Frightened?
Fine. We'll do it.
Jun.
Allow me.
Huh, you?
You! Get him some gloves.
Yes, sir.
Sawa, you ref.
- Roger.
- Jeez.
Ikuto.
Let me.
Huh? Why?
It'll be a ride down easy street.
Child's play.
Kick his fucking ass!
Who the fuck are you?
Get Ikuto in here.
I know you.
Is that a fact?
It's your fault...
I was sent to juvie.
Kosuke, what about him?
Huh?
Have him bring 500,000 yen Monday.
Five hundred thousand...
Monday, 5 p.m., bring 500,000.
I know your school and home.
Don't deliver, your life is hell.
Got it.
Say it with respect.
I understand.
- Somebody!
- Let go! Let me go!
Get off me!
Get up.
- Don't move.
- Goddammit!
Fight!
You're a lackey of Kishomaru's?
How sad.
What's that, scumbag?
Let's go!
Motherfucker!
Kosuke! Waste his ass!
You little...
He's full-on
but untrained.
Those big punches... nice, no?
- Let's go!
- Come on!
- Go!
- That's it!
- You've got this!
- Nice!
- Come on, Kosuke!
- Yeah!
I'm begging you.
Stop, no more.
- Get up!
- Not yet.
I'm begging you.
Stand back.
- That's the way, Kosuke!
- Nice, Kosuke!
Give me a kneeing too!
No good. I'm worthless.
Ryoma!
Get up!
You okay?
Fight!
Time to die.
I won.
Ryoma!
Ryoma!
You were fired up in there.
It was his fault I was in juvie.
I see.
Like the guy who framed me.
Yeah, I suppose...
If it were me, I'd kill the guy.
There's no need to kill.
Beat him to a pulp.
A pulp...
Get over here.
It's our turn.
Fight!
Now, this is boxing.
In high school, he was top four in Japan.
You know him?
We've met.
- Ikuto!
- Go around him, Ikuto!
Ikuto.
What's the matter, jailbird?
Had enough?
Weren't you top dog before me?
I was never top dog.
Huh?
I just didn't know where to turn.
You see,
I took out anyone in my way
until I couldn't stop myself.
When I noticed,
I was hurtling downhill toward a cliff.
You too.
You're like that.
Shut up, asshole.
Shut the fuck up!
You don't know shit!
Die, you bastard!
Mr. Hino, end this!
Idiot. Can't you see
there's life in him yet?
He's just waiting.
Waiting?
Sawa! It's over.
Stop already, you dummy!
- Ikuto, enough.
- Let me go!
- Get your fucking hands off me!
- Stop.
Get off me!
Motherfucker...
Ikuto, calm down.
Get off me!
- You piece of...
- Stop!
If you keep going,
Jun will die.
This isn't over, shitbag.
- Hey, Jun!
- You okay?
- He needs a rest. First aid kit!
- Yes!
Shut up, old man.
I can get up.
Hands off!
Fucking shit.
Jun... Are you...
Yukina, did you go out with him?
Did you really just ask that?
Boy, talk about tactless!
Right, sorry.
I was just curious.
From the first year of high school
until he was expelled.
We went to the same high school.
What the hell? Get in there.
- You too. Don't stand around like a dope.
- I see.
So, he got expelled, came back,
and is how he is now.
That's why I didn't know him.
He worked hard at boxing.
He was kind and shy.
But in the ring, he was strong and cool.
Why was he expelled?
It was his father.
He was a gang member.
Not openly, of course.
Officially, he worked in real estate.
He was arrested
and imprisoned.
People looked at Jun differently.
He changed inside.
Yukina...
I don't know what started it.
But he fought five classmates
and sent them to the hospital.
- Then...
- That's enough. I get it.
Yeah...
He hasn't gone over the cliff yet.
What?
He's holding onto the edge
by the skin of his teeth.
That's how I see it.
I felt it when we fought.
I hope you're right.
What a turnout.
They got a lot of applicants.
I'm getting nervous.
Whatever happens, happens.
Are you the guy called Yagura?
What?
"Ikuto Yagura," that's your name?
That's right.
Well, what a coincidence.
Who is this guy?
Would you be his friend?
What's it to you?
Do you know about your pal's dad?
Huh?
Ah, forget it.
Allow me to use this rare opportunity.
What's your problem?
Those auditioning, this way please.
- Okay.
- Okay.
Next.
What?
We've met before.
No...
Unlikely.
Think hard.
Fat chance.
Is that how it is?
Next.
I've studied judo for 20 years.
I plan to use Breaking Down
to launch a pro fighter career.
Thank you.
Thanks. Next, please.
The name's Ikuto Yagura.
I've never lost a fight, and as for
kickboxing, I've done it for two months.
The reason I want to be in Breaking Down
is to talk to Mr. Asakura.
You spoke to us in juvie.
- You were there?
- I was.
I want to hear more.
I'm here to talk to Mr. Asakura.
But this is an audition.
I understand.
However,
should I win,
I'd be grateful
if we could get dinner together.
I was there too.
Sorry, it's not your turn.
But if I don't speak now,
I don't think I can later.
I was there with Ikuto.
I want to become a professional fighter.
You said if you work hard at your dream,
it can come true.
I'm here to show you how serious I am.
May I go?
Proceed.
I'm Joey, a Tokyo University law student
and kickboxing team captain.
Joey is an odd name.
Dad wanted a name that
works outside of Japan.
Instead of my name,
focus on that
I'm a Tokyo University law student.
I've been accepted into law school.
I want to be a prosecutor like my dad.
We've had students from there.
Right...
Well, how about this?
My dad is in charge of the case
against Ikuto's father.
What?
What do you mean?
The charge against his father is murder.
My dad is the prosecutor against him.
The hand of fate is with us.
Murderer and prosecutor,
their sons meet to settle it
in the arena of Breaking Down.
It'll be a hot topic.
Shut the fuck up.
What's that, Ikuto?
My father is not a killer.
The trial isn't over.
Ikuto!
I'll let you in on a fact about Japan.
99% of those charged here get convicted.
Your dad is 99% a murderer.
Let's settle this, Ikuto.
I'll mop you up, fuckhead.
What do you think?
Let them decide in the ring.
I'll show you the kind of scum you are.
Try it, dirtbag!
Hey, stop it!
- Stop it!
- Get off me!
Let go!
It's a miracle the Supreme Court
accepted the appeal.
It's rare for a murder case.
Thank you so much, Mr. Yokota.
Thank him.
But if the Supreme Court
rules against him, that's it.
That's the risk.
The prosecutor is the issue.
That Sadoshima guy?
Yes, Prosecutor Sadoshima is
fixated on convicting your father.
During the deliberation,
he kept producing new evidence.
It's all fabricated.
I think so.
However, I couldn't disprove it all.
What he tries next is anyone's guess.
I can't believe it.
I'll do my best.
An acquittal isn't impossible.
Jun...
Why are we sitting like this?
The girls will sit there.
It's fine if they sit beside us.
No, it's not.
They aren't coming.
They're 30 minutes late.
She said she'd come.
Changed her mind?
Quit whining and order something.
What's with the attitude?
You begged me to come.
- I didn't ask shit.
- You did.
We're here.
School went late.
Sorry.
Sure...
You're Kosuke?
That's right.
I'm Nami, nice to meet you.
Yeah, same to you.
You were awesome the other day.
Well, I'm kind of embarrassed.
No, you don't have to be.
Really?
Want something?
Sure.
I'll get a parfait.
Want something?
- I'll get a parfait.
- Parfait?
They're good here.
You haven't changed.
Really?
Really.
You too, Jun.
No, I...
You haven't changed.
I wish that were so.
It's a real downpour.
Oh, I keep an umbrella
for just such emergencies.
I'll go to the store
and get some umbrellas.
Come with me, Kosuke?
Who, me?
Wait...
I'm gonna get soaked.
They need time alone.
Oh, right. Okay...
Let me under there...
So...
Yes?
Why did you come today?
Why? You asked me to come.
No, I don't mean that.
Then, why did you ask me here?
Huh?
Why?
I wanted to apologize.
What for?
Well...
I suddenly ran out.
I didn't return your calls.
That's right.
It was cruel.
It was bad of me. Really.
I know all this.
But I...
After we broke up...
We didn't break up.
Huh?
I don't recall us breaking up.
Is that right?
That's right.
Look.
I talked to Ikuto after your fight.
He said...
He hasn't gone over the cliff yet.
What?
He's holding onto the edge
by the skin of his teeth.
I wonder if I can do it.
Be your brakes.
Yukina... I...
Huh?
Yukina Tamaki?
Yeah! The influencer!
I follow you.
Let's be friends.
Not happening.
Let's go.
Why run away?
Hands off her.
The gallant boyfriend.
Keep it up and you'll get hurt--
Jun, no!
Get out of here.
Take off!
Not so fast!
Get her!
Get the fuck up.
Motherfucker...
Kosuke, help!
- Yukina?
- What happened?
Jun got jumped!
Krishna...
Where's Jun?
They took him.
- I'm calling the cops.
- Don't.
He's been abducted!
They'll call it a crime.
He'll get hauled off to juvie.
What do you mean?
He's walking a fine line.
The cops have their eyes on him.
What can we do?
We have to save him ourselves.
I'll call the boys.
Kids snatching a kid?
Are you in grade school?
I'm sorry.
Drop him at the station.
It's fine.
It's raining. He'll get wet.
Besides, his playmates are
gonna come to his aid.
I wanna see how bold those kids are.
Don't you?
See how bold those kids are?
Kishomaru.
Your name, like in a manga.
I ain't no manga.
No, you look like a manga character.
You're calling me a manga character?
How sweet you are.
Kishomaru...
I dig you.
Slide over here.
Huh? Me?
An official apology is in order.
Promise never to do
anything infantile again.
Do you swear?
Hold this.
Hold it.
For five seconds.
You can scream.
One, two, three...
Four...
Five.
Middle!
- You don't have to overdo it.
- Got it.
Was it okay to sneak out of the venue?
It's too long
between the weigh-in and bout.
You idiots should pack it in
and go back to the studio.
- Get moving!
- Okay!
Thanks.
You ready to fight?
I'm jealous.
You'll be my cornerman, right?
Just win, okay?
Of course.
What the fuck?
Kosuke, right?
Well?
Here for a lesson?
No fucking way.
I need your help.
Help?
Ikuto, Ryoma, you must help Jun.
Kishomaru? What happened?
He was protecting Yukina and got jumped.
Him? No way?
There were five or six...
It was...
the Krishna.
Fuck.
Who are they?
Something far worse
than ordinary hoodlums.
Why come here? Get your own guys.
I tried, but no one's responding.
Probably too scared to help.
They'll rip Jun to shreds.
Call the cops!
You know tonight is Breaking Down.
I can't call the cops.
They'll send Jun to juvie.
Maybe they will.
That's life.
That's life?
We have a match tonight!
It's not possible.
I remember what you said.
He hasn't gone over the cliff.
He's holding onto the edge.
This...
It's my fault.
He tried to save me.
Krishna don't fuck around.
I've seen guys who've had
their ears and fingers cut off.
And Jun, he was in charge around here.
They'll trash him
just to show they mean business.
Please... Help him. Please.
Please... Please...
Please.
I beg you.
Sure. Let's pay them a visit.
Ikuto.
What the fuck are you doing?
Then I'll go. I'll go by myself.
Have you forgotten what today is?
It's the day we've worked for.
I know.
But how could I be happy winning,
knowing I abandoned someone in need?
Sorry, Ryoma. I have to help him.
Ikuto...
You fucking suck! I'm going too!
There's five or six of them.
Me, you, and Ikuto can handle it.
We'll clean them up
and then go to the bout.
Well?
We'll help too.
I love a good fistfight.
Did someone say kick ass?
Thank you very much.
We'll settle our problems ourselves.
You dumbass!
Lead the way already!
Right on.
Wait here, girls.
Go knock 'em dead!
In there.
That's the way in?
If it's five or six, let's even things
by taking a few out by surprise.
Right.
Sorry.
We couldn't wait around.
Well, that's actually perfect.
We'll be 15 minutes...
No, if we're not out in ten,
call the police. It can't be helped.
That'll leave one or two.
Right.
Inside there.
Yeah.
First thing is to help Kishomaru.
After that, don't take them on.
Grab him, and get out.
Got it?
- Yeah.
- Sure thing.
Ready?
Jun! We're here to...
How is this like five or six?
More like 60.
Sorry.
Do you know the legend of Mikuru Asakura?
No.
It was 2 against 50.
- He won?
- Nope.
- How does that help us?
- It does.
He went 2 against 50
and lived to tell the tale.
For certain.
You!
Why did you come?
No! Don't!
Stop!
Oh no, oh no. Hold on!
Kishomaru!
We're here!
About fucking time.
Let's dice 'em up!
Come try us!
Oh, sorry. You okay?
Oh, fuck!
Cut his rope, Abeken!
Get the fuck outta my way!
Don't boss me around!
Move it, asshole!
Hey, move!
I'll kill you fuckers!
Time to go, Kishomaru!
What the fuck?
He's mine.
No, he's all mine.
Kishomaru!
Hey, get off me!
No! Cut the shit!
- Stop!
- Toss him!
I'll make you eat shit!
Fucking scumbags!
Hold on!
Everyone!
You try too hard.
Are you right-handed?
Want more?
Got...
a death wish?
Ikuto!
You okay?
My arm... It's broken.
That was incredible!
Ikuto.
You didn't have to do this.
Don't think you're cool.
Everybody!
Move out!
This is bad...
Where's a hospital?
Jun.
Boss Mido.
Mido, you can get up now.
You can stop pretending.
You knew?
Of course we did.
You went down too easily.
No.
That kid punches quite well.
But why the fakery?
Being hit by a broken arm like that
brought back memories of my boyhood.
Youth is such a wondrous thing.
Youth?
I really wanted to see...
how far they could get
with their tattered,
at-rock-bottom, little bodies.
Well then...
Let's go eat some barbecue.
- Alright!
- Alright!
The tab's on you.
Who? Me?
Look sharp!
- Yeah!
- Yeah!
Is Ikuto back yet?
No. We heard he'll be late.
He's on in 15.
We need a plan B just in case.
Ikuto Yagura is here!
Thank God.
Get the fight ready!
Well, the thing is...
The thing?
Hey, hey...
What the hell is this?
Had a bit of trouble.
This is not at all a bit.
Can you fight?
I want to, but...
But?
My arm and maybe a leg are broken.
You can't fight.
Therefore!
I want him to take my place.
What?
- That's not--
- This guy!
He auditioned too. He can stand in!
Please.
No... I...
You can do it.
Won't your mom be surprised.
You can do it, Ryoma.
Take me to the ring.
Please.
Please!
- Please!
- Please!
Impossible.
That's unaccept--
Ask Mr. Asakura!
He's a guy who's gone far by not being
bound by rules or common sense! So!
He'll understand. Ask him!
Okay. But if he says no, then that's it.
He'll say yes.
He'll understand.
That's why I want to talk to him again.
You're something else.
Even now, you push on.
You're a hell of a guy.
He gave the okay.
He said this is in the spirit
of Breaking Down.
Fuck yeah!
Thank you.
I have another request.
Something else?
Can they watch?
Just Ryoma's fight.
Please.
Sure! Fine!
Say, Ikuto.
There's something I have to say.
At a time like this?
You see...
The robbery you were blamed for...
It was me.
I figured so.
I saw it in your eyes.
You knew...
I'm sorry.
Sorry for making you go to juvie...
It's fine.
In exchange,
pulverize the fucker.
Absolutely.
Mouthpiece.
Take him out!
You've got this!
If I hadn't met Ikuto,
I'd probably be at some
crummy part-time grunt job,
always regretting how my life turned out.
Perhaps it's the people we meet
who pave the road to our future.
The journey to my future begins now.
All because of Ikuto.
Danhi Kinoshita
Kaname Yoshizawa
Mariko Shinoda
Anna Tsuchiya
Chikashi Kuon
TRIAL ENDS IN ACQUITTAL
Kyosuke Yabe
Wataru Ichinose
Nobuaki Kaneko
Susumu Terajima
Katsunori Takahashi
Screenplay by
Shin Kibayashi
Music by
Koji Endo
Executive producers
Mikuru Asakura, Yuji Mizoguchi
Chief producer
Tamon Andrew Niwa
Producers
Misako Saka, Shigeji Maeda
Cinematography
Nobuyasu Kita
Lighting
Yuta Shibata
Production Design
Akira Sakamoto
Presented by
YOAKE FILM BACKSTAGE
Production Cooperation by
Rakueisha
Production by
OLM
Directed by
Takashi Miike
Akai.
You know, being sent
to juvenile hall isn't punishment.
Here, you wake up early each morning
and lead a normal life.
Use this to reassess your future
and rehabilitate yourself.
View your sentence as an opportunity.
I figured I'd keep quiet,
get discharged as soon as possible,
and once out,
say goodbye to being a delinquent.
Or so I thought.
Then I met him.
New here?
The crisp uniform is a giveaway.
Why're you in juvie?
Robbery, assault, disorderly conduct?
Attempted murder, perhaps?
All of the above.
Nice meeting you.
Yeah, sure. You too.
I'm Ryoma Akai.
Ikuto Yagura. Call me Ikuto.
I see. Well, call me Ryoma.
Ryoma.
What're you in for?
Me?
I... I'd rather not say.
Really...
That makes me curious.
Tell me later.
In time.
Old man...
Did you just call me old man?
I guess I did.
I ain't no fucking old man.
I'm 18 and a senior
at Suzuran High School, Takashi Makise!
Seriously? A year older than me?
Ain't no one here called me old man
and lived to tell about it!
Yagura!
At it again?
Seems so.
So, another week in solitary?
You just tore your uniform up
in the last fight.
It'll come out in the wash.
That's not the point, troublemaker!
Ryoma.
Be seeing you.
Sure.
Move it!
This is how I met Ikuto.
I learned later that
he's a tough guy feared by all
in juvie hall.
Had I known,
I wouldn't have talked to him.
But maybe that's how people meet.
Gather around!
As you know, there's a lecture today.
- Yes, sir!
- Yes, sir!
Giving it will be
the fighter Mikuru Asakura.
Who's that?
You don't know?
He's famous on the Internet.
Okay.
Don't you know Breaking Down?
No, I've been stuck in here for a year.
Oh, right.
Hearing his story changed everything
for me and Ikuto
from that point onward.
Hello. I'm Mikuru Asakura.
This is sudden, but I want to ask
if you find being here a bore.
Well?
Raise your hand
if you never want to end up here again.
As I thought.
Who among you has a dream?
Please raise your hand.
Here.
Explain.
I want to play pro basketball.
A basketball player? Sweet.
Here.
Proceed.
After I leave, I want to train
and become a pro fighter.
Ah, a fighter. Very nice.
Actually, I also wanted to be a fighter
when I was in juvie.
I made it a reality.
Anybody else with dreams?
Really? Just two of you?
Once more, I'll ask again
if anyone has a dream.
- Here!
- Here!
I want to be a futsal player.
I'm sure you will.
Thank you!
Here!
A cook.
I bet you'll do it.
Thanks!
A small-animal caretaker.
Don't worry. It will come true.
A keirin cyclist.
- Keirin cyclist?
- Yes, sir!
You can do it.
Thank you!
Serious effort pays off.
I made it happen, you can too.
Set your mind to a goal
and don't get sidetracked.
Do that and you will succeed.
You can start over again.
Do your best.
I'd like to talk to that guy.
Breaking Down.
Huh?
I told you. It's what he does.
He gathers delinquents,
amateurs, and even pros
from across Japan
for one-minute, one-round fights.
Where?
In the ring.
Get in and you can talk to him.
Yagura! Akai! How long do you plan
to loaf around in here?
Sorry.
Yagura.
What's with the look?
Get fucking real.
Bastards like you can dream,
but it's useless.
Do everyone a favor and,
once you're out of here,
find the nearest hole and crawl into it!
Yagura.
Robbery and attempted murder
at your age...
Like father, like son, huh?
Next time won't be here. It'll be jail.
Just like your daddy.
I didn't rob anyone.
Really?
I was framed.
Seriously?
It was some other guy.
That really sucks.
Blaming others is for shit.
It's what put me in here.
Tough break. Why were you blamed?
A businessman said
his wallet was robbed at knifepoint.
The culprit wore a green hoodie,
the same as I had on.
Green hoodie...
Robbed at knifepoint...
Hold it! Not so fast.
My money, take it all.
Don't do anything rash!
Fuck. That was me.
Ryoma?
Oh, yeah. What a bitch.
Kinda funny, no?
Not really.
Ikuto.
What if you find the guy?
No, forget it. It's not important.
I'll mince him.
Mince?
I've been in here for a year and a half.
I'll turn the guy into pulp.
Sounds about right.
From that night on, Ikuto worked out.
Before long, I joined in.
Fifty-eight, fifty-nine...
Last one, 60!
Okay.
That's one tough minute.
Breaking Down allows kicking,
so it's even tougher.
What are you losers up to?
Not Hakamada again.
What are you doing?
I see.
You took Asakura's talk to heart
and think you're gonna be fighters.
Fucking idiots.
You gotta be special to do that.
Guys like you are doomed
to live hand to mouth--
He said if we work hard,
our dreams will come true.
People here are here because
they can't get their shit together.
That Mikuru Asakura is an exception.
Truth is, people willing to work hard
don't wind up here.
Maybe you too?
Maybe you're here because
you couldn't get your shit together.
Ikuto...
Yagura...
You're an annoying prick.
You see your mother tomorrow.
I'll join the fun.
Ikuto...
I'm Hakamada, an instructor here.
Nice to meet you. I'm Ikuto's mother.
Please.
Next month, on the 20th?
You want to see about parole.
Yes, if it's possible.
To be honest, there are issues with Ikuto.
Yesterday, he lashed out
at me for no reason.
He even insulted my work.
Really?
Really. He said
I didn't try hard enough in life,
and that's why
I'm an instructor at a juvie hall.
Ikuto.
Isn't that right, Yagura?
Yeah, I said that.
Regrettably, parole is impossible.
I don't understand.
I think you do.
This is a rehabilitation facility.
Our job is to re-educate boys.
Verbal abuse is a form of violence.
Without correction,
he'll wind up right back in here.
In the end, he'll be like his father.
And that means?
It means his next stop is prison.
My husband isn't in prison.
He's at a detention center.
It's the same thing.
Japan has a conviction rate of 99%.
Shut your mouth.
Ikuto.
Verbal abuse?
If so, this is much more violent.
I'm just stating facts.
If you can't abide,
you're not ready to leave.
What? Gonna hit me?
Verbal abuse is one thing.
Hitting someone is true violence.
Go for it.
Well?
Yagura.
You want out that much?
Of course. I've got plans.
This place is a waste...
Then, on your knees.
What?
Kneel before me in front of your mom.
Without that level of resolve,
you'll never be rehabilitated.
You're the son of a killer in juvie.
What the hell?
Bastard, don't insult my husband.
Don't you care about your son?
It's nothing to do with him.
I'm the one who slapped you.
That's not how it works.
Oh... Is that a fact?
Tell it to the mic.
I'll send it to your boss.
On second thought, the news.
Without that level of resolve,
you'll never be rehabilitated.
You're the son of a killer in juvie.
We're dealing with a lawsuit,
so we have a lawyer.
You thought I had no one to turn to?
Hold on... That's...
I have a question.
Did Ikuto verbally abuse you?
Well, uh...
What's your answer, Mr. Hakamada?
Thank you very much.
No, thank you.
Ikuto, hang in there.
That was incredible.
Very cool.
Have you changed?
About that.
I've been through a lot the past year.
Yeah...
Ma'am,
Ikuto will be alright.
I see no trouble with parole.
I think he'll be fine.
Thank you so much.
Thanks so much, Ms. Akai.
Don't mention it. I've got the day off.
Ikuto, you should thank her too.
Thanks.
No problem. He's a friend of Ryoma's.
Where's my phone?
I have it.
What are you doing?
All my contacts. I deleted them.
For real?
I've got plans.
I want to meet someone.
That's why I practice fighting.
Fighting?
Fighting in the ring.
That means?
If I may.
I want to fight too.
Of all the stupid things...
We're fresh out of juvie.
I was told because I'm underage,
I won't have a record.
But everyone knows.
It'll no doubt follow me forever.
I'll never get out of this.
I'm driving. Can we talk later?
What?
Sure...
It's your life.
Use it as you like.
Just don't do anything
that'll put you back in juvie.
I understand.
- Mrs. Akai.
- Yeah?
Mind taking me to see my dad?
Ikuto, what?
Sorry about that.
Sure, we're driving anyway.
Well, where is he?
Tokyo Detention Center.
What?
- You're driving, right? Eyes on the road.
- Stuff it.
I can drive this road blindfolded.
Tokyo Detention Center?
Mom.
Put a sock in it!
Won't you see him, Haruka?
I come every week.
I see.
It's his first time here.
He resents him.
He said people started looking down
on him because of his father's crime.
Really... Wonder why he came, then.
Ikuto.
It's been five years.
Yeah.
I heard you don't visit
because you hate me.
I see...
I guess you do.
I'd never forgive you
if you killed someone.
Is it true?
No, it's not.
I didn't believe it.
But me too...
I was thrown into juvie
for something I didn't do.
It got me thinking...
I see.
Did you do it?
No, I didn't.
The news said she was killed
over a love affair.
It's complete hogwash.
Why were you there?
As her boss, I was helping her.
She had issues.
She called me out of the blue,
saying she wanted to die.
I rushed over in a panic.
The knife was at her neck.
She was suicidal.
I tried to stop her but was too late.
Seeing me covered in blood,
the police assumed I'd killed her.
I'll never forgive the prosecutor.
He treats me like a criminal
from the start,
telling me to confess
for a lighter sentence.
Total bullshit.
If you didn't do it,
you wouldn't admit it, right?
Of course not.
The Supreme Court will issue its ruling
in three months.
It will be overturned.
I'm sure of it.
You're fighting for your life, Dad.
For certain.
I'm fighting.
You too. I know it's not easy.
Stay strong.
I will.
We won't lose.
We're going to win.
He's in.
That's obvious.
Got a problem with it?
I guess not.
Where are you going?
Well! Catch a cold and I won't let you in!
Fucking kid!
I'm starving.
Krishna...
Are they back in town?
Been a while.
If it isn't Mido.
A top dude coming out just for me.
So, how's it going with your boss?
Don't play dumb.
He was burnt to death yesterday.
My condolences.
Don't feign innocence.
The thing is, me and you...
Alright.
A thing of beauty!
Before you weld,
you must learn to remove burrs.
Try it.
I'm cool.
- Do it.
- It's dangerous.
Do it.
Damn, you sick?
I'm fine.
- Try it.
- No, thanks.
- Do it.
- I'd rather not.
- Do it.
- No, thanks.
Come on.
- No, thanks.
- I need your help here.
Sure thing!
Do it.
- Yes, sir.
- Yes, sir.
Go for it.
You got the flu?
No fucking way. Give me a break.
This blows. We shoulda gone
with my probation officer's suggestion.
The pay is better here.
But this is tougher and more dangerous,
and there aren't any girls.
You need money to go to the gym, right?
It's not just about the money...
Ikuto Yagura, right?
From Hana High School.
My face is covered. You got good vision.
I know those eyes.
Heard you got expelled
and ended up in juvie.
You got out?
That's obvious, no?
Huh?
Hey, you!
What was with that street crossing
back there? It was nearly a disaster.
You almost caused a car accident!
What's your problem?
Name's Jun Kishomaru.
I don't wanna see your mug
around here no more, Yagura.
Are you listening to me?
Hey!
Listen to the police!
Hey, you...
At least look at me!
That's it, let's take the other job.
Why?
Why? It's dangerous around here.
Not our concern.
Huh? We're on probation.
Get in trouble and it's back to juvie.
Think of it as Breaking Down practice.
Practice?
This won't end well.
I'm gonna waste Yagura.
He's all mine.
Abeken.
Yeah?
Didn't he trash your ass
before getting locked up?
Abeken.
Didn't he trash your ass
before getting locked up?
He repeated himself!
- Wanna die?
- Abeken.
What?
You can't do shit with your hands.
Don't get cocky, punk.
Wanna try me?
So, who is it
that can't do shit?
You.
Where you been?
Sick fuck.
Hey!
Can't you read?
"No fighting in the bar."
Have a coffee and calm down.
Got it.
You guys,
if you want to fight so badly, go here.
What's this?
Kickboxing?
It's a gym run by a pal of mine.
They're looking for students.
TRAIN WITH US!
HINOTAKA KICKBOXING GYM
No drinking or smoking allowed here.
Yeah, right?
Why are those two so obedient
to the owner?
Don't you know, you idiots?
Know what?
Even in summer, he wears long sleeves.
Know why?
No.
Why?
He's got tattoos.
Once,
he had his sleeves up when washing dishes.
He had tats down to here.
A former yakuza?
Kishomaru's dad was one too.
Might be a connection.
Nice.
Let it out!
Keep it up.
- Okay.
- Thanks.
- Very good, Tamaki.
- Thank you.
Looking around?
I guess.
My joint isn't big. On the other hand,
since we have fewer trainees,
you'll be trained well.
Hey...
I wanna take that guy on.
Don't be stupid.
You don't start with pros.
I don't mind, Mr. Hino.
Get real, Tamaki.
I was like him at first.
Please let him in.
You're kidding.
Hands in too deep,
you'll hurt your fingers and wrists.
Sawa, you ref.
Got it.
Alright, get ready.
We're even ringing the bell for you.
Fight.
Yeah! That's it!
Come on, watch and hit him!
I am watching!
Are you ready?
Let him.
Well, well.
He hit him.
You hit him!
Motherfucker!
That's enough!
Not yet!
Enough! Stop!
I'm just getting warmed up.
Ikuto, are you okay?
Hey.
Like my gym?
Wanna join?
Right.
Ikuto.
That was...
That was...
Was what?
That was awesome.
You're an idiot.
- Hey, Sugano!
- Yes!
Ice for the swelling!
Yes, sir.
Take it for polishing.
- Got it.
- Okay.
Polishing!
Got it.
Hey! On the right!
- Sorry!
- Go right, dummies.
From then on,
I'd go with Ikuto straight
to the gym after work.
Nine, ten...
Ten more! Come on!
- One...
- Tighten all your fingers.
Bring it closer to the chest.
One, two... That's right.
That's a fighting punch.
Tighten in
and lower the center of gravity.
Turn and lower.
Lower down to here.
Faster. Keep it up.
That's enough.
Very good.
- Here.
- I'm so tired.
Hitting sandbags,
mitt training in the ring...
We sweat to near collapse.
Our goal is Breaking Down.
Thanks.
Jab, jab, straight, middle, straight...
Middle, straight, middle.
Welcome...
Ms. Akai?
It's almost noon. Why not join me?
Fried shrimp or salmon. Which will it be?
Salmon...
I learned yesterday that
Ryoma goes to the gym with Ikuto.
You didn't know?
We haven't had much chance to talk.
That's too bad.
Working nights, I come home late.
My guy... He's always coming over.
And Ryoma was gone so long.
I see.
I asked about all the laundry.
That's when he told me.
He said Ikuto's amazing.
He gets stronger all the time.
Is that a good thing?
I think it is.
My Ryoma did things that put him in juvie.
Because of Ikuto,
Ryoma works and goes to a gym.
Even so, I don't think he has
what it takes to be a fighter.
I'm not so sure...
It's Ikuto.
It's Ryoma.
- Hello. What is it?
- Hello. What is it?
- Ah, it's me.
- Ah, it's me.
- We're going to audition.
- We're going to audition.
Audition?
We got a text.
From the Breaking Down office.
Both of us.
My mom's with your mom now.
Huh?
But it's just an audition, right?
It is! Only 1 in 10 gets accepted.
Most get rejected
at the document screening.
So, how'd you pass?
How?
I'm not sure.
You idiot.
He spoke to us in juvie hall.
Said if we work hard,
we can make it.
That's great.
I mentioned it
in the Breaking Down application video.
He must've watched it.
Well, give it your best shot.
Because of this, you hit the brakes
before going over the cliff.
What's that mean?
But there are those who
have yet to hit the brakes.
They swarm around us.
Yagura goes to this gym?
Saw him practicing.
After juvie, he's been hanging out
at some factory with, uh...
Ryoma Akai. We went to the same school.
Right, with that Ryoma guy.
I'll take a peek at that gym.
Gonna take Ikuto out?
I'm in too.
Fuck yeah.
Let's party.
Not so fast.
There's no stopping me.
It's your funeral.
Catch you later!
Huh? No way.
What is it?
Why is Yukina here?
Yukina?
Yukina Tamaki, we went to school together.
She was famous then too.
Famous?
As an influencer.
She's got 300,000 followers.
Hold on a sec.
What? Ryoma?
It's been a while, Yukina.
Wait a sec...
That's my sister.
No way!
Coulda fooled me.
Right?
Is he your friend?
Yeah, he is.
Something like that.
Yagura? Could it be?
Ikuto Yagura, right?
Yeah. Do you know me?
You used to be famous until a year ago!
Everyone around here knows you.
All alone, you beat up
ten guys from another school.
I heard that. Don't tell me it was you.
It was only five or six.
- I heard it was 20!
- Impossible!
Even five is amazing. Everyone says
you're the strongest guy around.
Well,
I no longer brawl.
Really... What a surprise.
It's him.
Jun...
Kishomaru...
Pain in my balls.
Without the fight, what the fuck are you?
Abeken, how's the busted nose?
A knife again?
You never learn, do you?
I'm gonna kill you.
Abeken!
Cut the shit.
We're just paying a visit.
Right, Jun?
Sure.
I came to see Breaking Down
wannabes fake fight.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Since you think it's fake,
why not join the fun?
In the ring.
What's the matter? Frightened?
Fine. We'll do it.
Jun.
Allow me.
Huh, you?
You! Get him some gloves.
Yes, sir.
Sawa, you ref.
- Roger.
- Jeez.
Ikuto.
Let me.
Huh? Why?
It'll be a ride down easy street.
Child's play.
Kick his fucking ass!
Who the fuck are you?
Get Ikuto in here.
I know you.
Is that a fact?
It's your fault...
I was sent to juvie.
Kosuke, what about him?
Huh?
Have him bring 500,000 yen Monday.
Five hundred thousand...
Monday, 5 p.m., bring 500,000.
I know your school and home.
Don't deliver, your life is hell.
Got it.
Say it with respect.
I understand.
- Somebody!
- Let go! Let me go!
Get off me!
Get up.
- Don't move.
- Goddammit!
Fight!
You're a lackey of Kishomaru's?
How sad.
What's that, scumbag?
Let's go!
Motherfucker!
Kosuke! Waste his ass!
You little...
He's full-on
but untrained.
Those big punches... nice, no?
- Let's go!
- Come on!
- Go!
- That's it!
- You've got this!
- Nice!
- Come on, Kosuke!
- Yeah!
I'm begging you.
Stop, no more.
- Get up!
- Not yet.
I'm begging you.
Stand back.
- That's the way, Kosuke!
- Nice, Kosuke!
Give me a kneeing too!
No good. I'm worthless.
Ryoma!
Get up!
You okay?
Fight!
Time to die.
I won.
Ryoma!
Ryoma!
You were fired up in there.
It was his fault I was in juvie.
I see.
Like the guy who framed me.
Yeah, I suppose...
If it were me, I'd kill the guy.
There's no need to kill.
Beat him to a pulp.
A pulp...
Get over here.
It's our turn.
Fight!
Now, this is boxing.
In high school, he was top four in Japan.
You know him?
We've met.
- Ikuto!
- Go around him, Ikuto!
Ikuto.
What's the matter, jailbird?
Had enough?
Weren't you top dog before me?
I was never top dog.
Huh?
I just didn't know where to turn.
You see,
I took out anyone in my way
until I couldn't stop myself.
When I noticed,
I was hurtling downhill toward a cliff.
You too.
You're like that.
Shut up, asshole.
Shut the fuck up!
You don't know shit!
Die, you bastard!
Mr. Hino, end this!
Idiot. Can't you see
there's life in him yet?
He's just waiting.
Waiting?
Sawa! It's over.
Stop already, you dummy!
- Ikuto, enough.
- Let me go!
- Get your fucking hands off me!
- Stop.
Get off me!
Motherfucker...
Ikuto, calm down.
Get off me!
- You piece of...
- Stop!
If you keep going,
Jun will die.
This isn't over, shitbag.
- Hey, Jun!
- You okay?
- He needs a rest. First aid kit!
- Yes!
Shut up, old man.
I can get up.
Hands off!
Fucking shit.
Jun... Are you...
Yukina, did you go out with him?
Did you really just ask that?
Boy, talk about tactless!
Right, sorry.
I was just curious.
From the first year of high school
until he was expelled.
We went to the same high school.
What the hell? Get in there.
- You too. Don't stand around like a dope.
- I see.
So, he got expelled, came back,
and is how he is now.
That's why I didn't know him.
He worked hard at boxing.
He was kind and shy.
But in the ring, he was strong and cool.
Why was he expelled?
It was his father.
He was a gang member.
Not openly, of course.
Officially, he worked in real estate.
He was arrested
and imprisoned.
People looked at Jun differently.
He changed inside.
Yukina...
I don't know what started it.
But he fought five classmates
and sent them to the hospital.
- Then...
- That's enough. I get it.
Yeah...
He hasn't gone over the cliff yet.
What?
He's holding onto the edge
by the skin of his teeth.
That's how I see it.
I felt it when we fought.
I hope you're right.
What a turnout.
They got a lot of applicants.
I'm getting nervous.
Whatever happens, happens.
Are you the guy called Yagura?
What?
"Ikuto Yagura," that's your name?
That's right.
Well, what a coincidence.
Who is this guy?
Would you be his friend?
What's it to you?
Do you know about your pal's dad?
Huh?
Ah, forget it.
Allow me to use this rare opportunity.
What's your problem?
Those auditioning, this way please.
- Okay.
- Okay.
Next.
What?
We've met before.
No...
Unlikely.
Think hard.
Fat chance.
Is that how it is?
Next.
I've studied judo for 20 years.
I plan to use Breaking Down
to launch a pro fighter career.
Thank you.
Thanks. Next, please.
The name's Ikuto Yagura.
I've never lost a fight, and as for
kickboxing, I've done it for two months.
The reason I want to be in Breaking Down
is to talk to Mr. Asakura.
You spoke to us in juvie.
- You were there?
- I was.
I want to hear more.
I'm here to talk to Mr. Asakura.
But this is an audition.
I understand.
However,
should I win,
I'd be grateful
if we could get dinner together.
I was there too.
Sorry, it's not your turn.
But if I don't speak now,
I don't think I can later.
I was there with Ikuto.
I want to become a professional fighter.
You said if you work hard at your dream,
it can come true.
I'm here to show you how serious I am.
May I go?
Proceed.
I'm Joey, a Tokyo University law student
and kickboxing team captain.
Joey is an odd name.
Dad wanted a name that
works outside of Japan.
Instead of my name,
focus on that
I'm a Tokyo University law student.
I've been accepted into law school.
I want to be a prosecutor like my dad.
We've had students from there.
Right...
Well, how about this?
My dad is in charge of the case
against Ikuto's father.
What?
What do you mean?
The charge against his father is murder.
My dad is the prosecutor against him.
The hand of fate is with us.
Murderer and prosecutor,
their sons meet to settle it
in the arena of Breaking Down.
It'll be a hot topic.
Shut the fuck up.
What's that, Ikuto?
My father is not a killer.
The trial isn't over.
Ikuto!
I'll let you in on a fact about Japan.
99% of those charged here get convicted.
Your dad is 99% a murderer.
Let's settle this, Ikuto.
I'll mop you up, fuckhead.
What do you think?
Let them decide in the ring.
I'll show you the kind of scum you are.
Try it, dirtbag!
Hey, stop it!
- Stop it!
- Get off me!
Let go!
It's a miracle the Supreme Court
accepted the appeal.
It's rare for a murder case.
Thank you so much, Mr. Yokota.
Thank him.
But if the Supreme Court
rules against him, that's it.
That's the risk.
The prosecutor is the issue.
That Sadoshima guy?
Yes, Prosecutor Sadoshima is
fixated on convicting your father.
During the deliberation,
he kept producing new evidence.
It's all fabricated.
I think so.
However, I couldn't disprove it all.
What he tries next is anyone's guess.
I can't believe it.
I'll do my best.
An acquittal isn't impossible.
Jun...
Why are we sitting like this?
The girls will sit there.
It's fine if they sit beside us.
No, it's not.
They aren't coming.
They're 30 minutes late.
She said she'd come.
Changed her mind?
Quit whining and order something.
What's with the attitude?
You begged me to come.
- I didn't ask shit.
- You did.
We're here.
School went late.
Sorry.
Sure...
You're Kosuke?
That's right.
I'm Nami, nice to meet you.
Yeah, same to you.
You were awesome the other day.
Well, I'm kind of embarrassed.
No, you don't have to be.
Really?
Want something?
Sure.
I'll get a parfait.
Want something?
- I'll get a parfait.
- Parfait?
They're good here.
You haven't changed.
Really?
Really.
You too, Jun.
No, I...
You haven't changed.
I wish that were so.
It's a real downpour.
Oh, I keep an umbrella
for just such emergencies.
I'll go to the store
and get some umbrellas.
Come with me, Kosuke?
Who, me?
Wait...
I'm gonna get soaked.
They need time alone.
Oh, right. Okay...
Let me under there...
So...
Yes?
Why did you come today?
Why? You asked me to come.
No, I don't mean that.
Then, why did you ask me here?
Huh?
Why?
I wanted to apologize.
What for?
Well...
I suddenly ran out.
I didn't return your calls.
That's right.
It was cruel.
It was bad of me. Really.
I know all this.
But I...
After we broke up...
We didn't break up.
Huh?
I don't recall us breaking up.
Is that right?
That's right.
Look.
I talked to Ikuto after your fight.
He said...
He hasn't gone over the cliff yet.
What?
He's holding onto the edge
by the skin of his teeth.
I wonder if I can do it.
Be your brakes.
Yukina... I...
Huh?
Yukina Tamaki?
Yeah! The influencer!
I follow you.
Let's be friends.
Not happening.
Let's go.
Why run away?
Hands off her.
The gallant boyfriend.
Keep it up and you'll get hurt--
Jun, no!
Get out of here.
Take off!
Not so fast!
Get her!
Get the fuck up.
Motherfucker...
Kosuke, help!
- Yukina?
- What happened?
Jun got jumped!
Krishna...
Where's Jun?
They took him.
- I'm calling the cops.
- Don't.
He's been abducted!
They'll call it a crime.
He'll get hauled off to juvie.
What do you mean?
He's walking a fine line.
The cops have their eyes on him.
What can we do?
We have to save him ourselves.
I'll call the boys.
Kids snatching a kid?
Are you in grade school?
I'm sorry.
Drop him at the station.
It's fine.
It's raining. He'll get wet.
Besides, his playmates are
gonna come to his aid.
I wanna see how bold those kids are.
Don't you?
See how bold those kids are?
Kishomaru.
Your name, like in a manga.
I ain't no manga.
No, you look like a manga character.
You're calling me a manga character?
How sweet you are.
Kishomaru...
I dig you.
Slide over here.
Huh? Me?
An official apology is in order.
Promise never to do
anything infantile again.
Do you swear?
Hold this.
Hold it.
For five seconds.
You can scream.
One, two, three...
Four...
Five.
Middle!
- You don't have to overdo it.
- Got it.
Was it okay to sneak out of the venue?
It's too long
between the weigh-in and bout.
You idiots should pack it in
and go back to the studio.
- Get moving!
- Okay!
Thanks.
You ready to fight?
I'm jealous.
You'll be my cornerman, right?
Just win, okay?
Of course.
What the fuck?
Kosuke, right?
Well?
Here for a lesson?
No fucking way.
I need your help.
Help?
Ikuto, Ryoma, you must help Jun.
Kishomaru? What happened?
He was protecting Yukina and got jumped.
Him? No way?
There were five or six...
It was...
the Krishna.
Fuck.
Who are they?
Something far worse
than ordinary hoodlums.
Why come here? Get your own guys.
I tried, but no one's responding.
Probably too scared to help.
They'll rip Jun to shreds.
Call the cops!
You know tonight is Breaking Down.
I can't call the cops.
They'll send Jun to juvie.
Maybe they will.
That's life.
That's life?
We have a match tonight!
It's not possible.
I remember what you said.
He hasn't gone over the cliff.
He's holding onto the edge.
This...
It's my fault.
He tried to save me.
Krishna don't fuck around.
I've seen guys who've had
their ears and fingers cut off.
And Jun, he was in charge around here.
They'll trash him
just to show they mean business.
Please... Help him. Please.
Please... Please...
Please.
I beg you.
Sure. Let's pay them a visit.
Ikuto.
What the fuck are you doing?
Then I'll go. I'll go by myself.
Have you forgotten what today is?
It's the day we've worked for.
I know.
But how could I be happy winning,
knowing I abandoned someone in need?
Sorry, Ryoma. I have to help him.
Ikuto...
You fucking suck! I'm going too!
There's five or six of them.
Me, you, and Ikuto can handle it.
We'll clean them up
and then go to the bout.
Well?
We'll help too.
I love a good fistfight.
Did someone say kick ass?
Thank you very much.
We'll settle our problems ourselves.
You dumbass!
Lead the way already!
Right on.
Wait here, girls.
Go knock 'em dead!
In there.
That's the way in?
If it's five or six, let's even things
by taking a few out by surprise.
Right.
Sorry.
We couldn't wait around.
Well, that's actually perfect.
We'll be 15 minutes...
No, if we're not out in ten,
call the police. It can't be helped.
That'll leave one or two.
Right.
Inside there.
Yeah.
First thing is to help Kishomaru.
After that, don't take them on.
Grab him, and get out.
Got it?
- Yeah.
- Sure thing.
Ready?
Jun! We're here to...
How is this like five or six?
More like 60.
Sorry.
Do you know the legend of Mikuru Asakura?
No.
It was 2 against 50.
- He won?
- Nope.
- How does that help us?
- It does.
He went 2 against 50
and lived to tell the tale.
For certain.
You!
Why did you come?
No! Don't!
Stop!
Oh no, oh no. Hold on!
Kishomaru!
We're here!
About fucking time.
Let's dice 'em up!
Come try us!
Oh, sorry. You okay?
Oh, fuck!
Cut his rope, Abeken!
Get the fuck outta my way!
Don't boss me around!
Move it, asshole!
Hey, move!
I'll kill you fuckers!
Time to go, Kishomaru!
What the fuck?
He's mine.
No, he's all mine.
Kishomaru!
Hey, get off me!
No! Cut the shit!
- Stop!
- Toss him!
I'll make you eat shit!
Fucking scumbags!
Hold on!
Everyone!
You try too hard.
Are you right-handed?
Want more?
Got...
a death wish?
Ikuto!
You okay?
My arm... It's broken.
That was incredible!
Ikuto.
You didn't have to do this.
Don't think you're cool.
Everybody!
Move out!
This is bad...
Where's a hospital?
Jun.
Boss Mido.
Mido, you can get up now.
You can stop pretending.
You knew?
Of course we did.
You went down too easily.
No.
That kid punches quite well.
But why the fakery?
Being hit by a broken arm like that
brought back memories of my boyhood.
Youth is such a wondrous thing.
Youth?
I really wanted to see...
how far they could get
with their tattered,
at-rock-bottom, little bodies.
Well then...
Let's go eat some barbecue.
- Alright!
- Alright!
The tab's on you.
Who? Me?
Look sharp!
- Yeah!
- Yeah!
Is Ikuto back yet?
No. We heard he'll be late.
He's on in 15.
We need a plan B just in case.
Ikuto Yagura is here!
Thank God.
Get the fight ready!
Well, the thing is...
The thing?
Hey, hey...
What the hell is this?
Had a bit of trouble.
This is not at all a bit.
Can you fight?
I want to, but...
But?
My arm and maybe a leg are broken.
You can't fight.
Therefore!
I want him to take my place.
What?
- That's not--
- This guy!
He auditioned too. He can stand in!
Please.
No... I...
You can do it.
Won't your mom be surprised.
You can do it, Ryoma.
Take me to the ring.
Please.
Please!
- Please!
- Please!
Impossible.
That's unaccept--
Ask Mr. Asakura!
He's a guy who's gone far by not being
bound by rules or common sense! So!
He'll understand. Ask him!
Okay. But if he says no, then that's it.
He'll say yes.
He'll understand.
That's why I want to talk to him again.
You're something else.
Even now, you push on.
You're a hell of a guy.
He gave the okay.
He said this is in the spirit
of Breaking Down.
Fuck yeah!
Thank you.
I have another request.
Something else?
Can they watch?
Just Ryoma's fight.
Please.
Sure! Fine!
Say, Ikuto.
There's something I have to say.
At a time like this?
You see...
The robbery you were blamed for...
It was me.
I figured so.
I saw it in your eyes.
You knew...
I'm sorry.
Sorry for making you go to juvie...
It's fine.
In exchange,
pulverize the fucker.
Absolutely.
Mouthpiece.
Take him out!
You've got this!
If I hadn't met Ikuto,
I'd probably be at some
crummy part-time grunt job,
always regretting how my life turned out.
Perhaps it's the people we meet
who pave the road to our future.
The journey to my future begins now.
All because of Ikuto.
Danhi Kinoshita
Kaname Yoshizawa
Mariko Shinoda
Anna Tsuchiya
Chikashi Kuon
TRIAL ENDS IN ACQUITTAL
Kyosuke Yabe
Wataru Ichinose
Nobuaki Kaneko
Susumu Terajima
Katsunori Takahashi
Screenplay by
Shin Kibayashi
Music by
Koji Endo
Executive producers
Mikuru Asakura, Yuji Mizoguchi
Chief producer
Tamon Andrew Niwa
Producers
Misako Saka, Shigeji Maeda
Cinematography
Nobuyasu Kita
Lighting
Yuta Shibata
Production Design
Akira Sakamoto
Presented by
YOAKE FILM BACKSTAGE
Production Cooperation by
Rakueisha
Production by
OLM
Directed by
Takashi Miike