Where to Watch Pigs and Battleships (1961) in the US

What it's about

In Yukosuka, many are able to benefit financially, legally and illegally, by the presence of the American naval base established after the war. Kinta, who is low level thug within the Himori yakuza, takes care of the yakuza's pig farm but provides some muscle in shaking down among others shopkeepers who cater and this benefit from the lucrative American military trade. Kinta is often asked to sacrifice himself for the yakuza, the promise being that the yakuza will ultimately recognize the sacrifice with bonuses and promotion within the organization. Kinta's girlfriend, Haruko, a barmaid, doesn't like his life and would prefer that they escape Yukosuka to Kawasaki where they could get jobs in her uncle's factory, something that Kinta continually resists in not wanting to be a "wage slave". Haruko is also continually pressured by her mother to prostitute herself, Mr. Gordon who is willing to pay top dollar to be his kept mistress. Kinta and Haruko's fates will be partly affected by the power struggle within the yakuza, Kinta's cohorts who may be willing to give him up for their own benefit, his boss, Tetsuji, who believes he is dying, and Himori who will do whatever necessary to retain control.

Cast and crew

Director

Shôhei Imamura

Writer

Hisashi Yamanouchi, Gisashi Yamauchi, Kazu Ôtsuka

Starring

Hiroyuki Nagato, Jitsuko Yoshimura, Masao Mishima

Details

Release date

Sep 13, 1963

Language

Japanese, English

Country

Japan

Awards

1 win

Where to Watch Pigs and Battleships (1961) in the US — common questions

Where to watch Pigs and Battleships in the United States?

Pigs and Battleships is available with a subscription in the United States. Watch the movie with a subscription on The Criterion Channel (HD).

Can I stream Pigs and Battleships or do I have to rent it in the United States?

Watch the movie with a subscription on The Criterion Channel (HD).

Can I watch Pigs and Battleships for free in the United States?

We have not confirmed a free option for Pigs and Battleships in the United States.