Jūzō Itami - Actor Profile

Jūzō Itami

Directing
Freshness: Jan 21, 2026
50Total Films
9.0 Highest Rated
Born: May 15, 1933
Birth Place: Kyoto, Japan

About Jūzō Itami

Jūzō Itami (1933–1997) was a Japanese actor and, later, a popular modern screenwriter and film director. Many critics came to regard him as Japan's greatest director since Akira Kurosawa. His ten feature-length movies and one short film, all of which he wrote himself, are comic satires on elements of Japanese culture. He died under suspicious circumstances in December 1997 and may have been murdered by the yakuza.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Jūzō Itami reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Jūzō Itami's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 28% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Jūzō Itami remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Kidnapping Blues, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Jūzō Itami Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Jūzō Itami's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Jūzō Itami.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2012 "Utsukishiki Shizuka na Seikatsu" + satsuei genba hōmonki Self Average Similar →
2012 Itami-ryū super na supermarket ga dekiru made Self Flop Similar →
2012 'Marutai no Onna' satsuei wo oete Self Flop Similar →
2011 Itami Juzo Museum's "13" Self (archive footage) Flop Similar →
2007 Juzo Itami: The Man with 13 Faces Self (archive footage) Flop Similar →
2007 Itami Jūzō Kinenkan ga dekiru made Self Flop Similar →
2003 北の国から 記憶 前編 - Flop Similar →
1993 Making of Daibyonin Self Flop Similar →
1992 Convenience Jack - Flop Similar →
1992 The Making of "Minbo: the Gentle Art of Japanese Extortion" Self Flop Similar →
1991 Shirayuri Girls' Academy Western Archery Club: A Silver Target - Flop Similar →
1990 The Making of "Tales of a Golden Geisha" Self Flop Similar →
1989 Great SFX Adventure: Take Me to 'Sweet Home' Self Flop Similar →
1989 Sweet Home Kenichi Yamamura Average Similar →
1988 The Making of "A Taxing Woman's Return" Self Flop Similar →
1987 The Making of "A Taxing Woman" Self Flop Similar →
1986 The Making of "Tampopo" Self Flop Similar →
1985 Bumpkin Soup Professor Hirayama Flop Similar →
1984 MacArthur's Children Hatano Flop Similar →
1983 Choji Snack Bar Kawara Hit Similar →
1983 The Makioka Sisters Tatsuo Hit Similar →
1983 The Family Game Mr. Numata Hit Similar →
1982 Kidnapping Blues Walking Man Super Hit Similar →
1982 Onna no naka no akuma - Flop Similar →
1981 Island of the Evil Spirits Ryuhei Ochi Average Similar →
1981 Baian the Assassin Sahei Oumiya Super Hit Similar →
1981 Play it, Boogie-Woogie Lawyer Average Similar →
1979 No More Easy Life Takamizawa Hit Similar →
1979 Grass Labyrinth Principal / Priest / Old man Hit Similar →
1979 Private Collections (segment "Kusa-Meikyu") Average Similar →
1975 I Am a Cat Meitei Flop Similar →
1974 My Way Dr. Takagi Average Similar →
1974 Lady Snowblood 2: Love Song of Vengeance Ransui Tokunaga Average Similar →
1971 Sweet Secret - Flop Similar →
1970 A Young Man's Stronghold - Flop Similar →
1969 Heat Wave Island Iino Average Similar →
1969 Safari 5000 - Hit Similar →
1968 The Notorious Concubines Ximen Qing Flop Similar →
1968 The Young Eagles of the Kamikaze - Average Similar →
1968 Human Torpedoes - Flop Similar →
1967 Parole Kenji Kijima Flop Similar →
1967 Sing a Song of Sex Ôtake Average Similar →
1966 By a Man's Face Shall You Know Him Shunji Amemiya Super Hit Similar →
1965 Lord Jim Waris Hit Similar →
1964 The Flame of Devotion Takuji Yoshii Hit Similar →
1963 55 Days at Peking Col. Shiba Hit Similar →
1962 Rubber Band Pistol - Flop Similar →
1961 Ten Dark Women Hanamaki Average Similar →
1960 Her Brother Son of Factory Owner Hit Similar →
1960 The False Student Sozo Hit Similar →

Jūzō Itami - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Jūzō Itami?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Jūzō Itami is "Kidnapping Blues" with a rating of 9.0/10.

How many movies has Jūzō Itami acted in?

Jūzō Itami has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Jūzō Itami?

Other notable films include "Baian the Assassin", "By a Man's Face Shall You Know Him", and "The Makioka Sisters".