Minbo

Minbo: the Gentle Art of Japanese Extortion is the English title of Minbo no Onna, a 1992 Japanese film by Juzo Itami. It is also known by the titles The Gangster's Moll and The Anti-Extortion Woman. Minbo was widely popular in Japan and a critical success internationally. It satirizes the yakuza, who retaliated for their portrayal in the film by assaulting the director.

Attack against Juzo Itami

The yakuza, who prefer to think of themselves as something akin to modern-day samurai, were angered by their portrayal in Minbo as common thugs and bullies. Three knife-wielding members of the yakuza attacked director Juzo Itami near his home in 1992, not long after the movie opened. Itami was beaten and his face slashed, and he nearly died as a result. The brutality of the attack, combined with Itami's popularity and the success of Minbo, led to a public outcry and a government crackdown against yakuza activity.

Related Topics:
Samurai - 1992

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