“A Better Tomorrow” (男たちの挽歌), Original Japanese First-Release Movie Poster 1987, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) T290

This is an original Japanese B2 poster for the 1987 first Japanese theatrical release of John Woo’s landmark Hong Kong crime film, A Better Tomorrow. Distributed in Japan by Nippon Herald Films, this striking design brings together Chow Yun-fat, Ti Lung and Leslie Cheung against a glittering nighttime cityscape—a powerful combination of star portraiture, gunplay and urban atmosphere.

Film background
Originally released in Hong Kong in 1986, A Better Tomorrow helped define the “heroic bloodshed” genre through its combination of explosive action and intensely emotional storytelling. Ti Lung plays a former gangster attempting to rebuild his life and reconcile with his younger brother, a police officer played by Leslie Cheung. Chow Yun-fat’s charismatic performance as his loyal friend Mark became one of Hong Kong cinema’s defining screen roles.

Directed by John Woo and produced by Tsui Hark, the film explores brotherhood, betrayal and redemption, establishing the dramatic and visual language that Woo would develop further in The Killer and Hard Boiled.

Poster design
Three oversized portraits descend diagonally across a deep black background: Leslie Cheung looks sharply to one side at the upper left, Ti Lung occupies the centre in amber-tinted aviator sunglasses, and Chow Yun-fat smiles over lowered shades at the bottom right, a matchstick held at his lips.

A long firearm cuts diagonally through the composition, while illuminated buildings spread across the lower portion. White cursive actor names and red Japanese lettering complement the enormous white title above. Beneath it, the red tagline 「生きろ、死に急ぐな。」 reads “Live. Don’t rush to your death.” The restrained black, white and red typography gives the photographic montage exceptional impact.

Condition
Excellent, close to Near Mint. A beautifully preserved example with only very light handling evident. The strong colours, deep blacks and crisp imagery retain excellent display appeal.

Please review the photographs—they show the exact poster for sale.

It is over 39 years old!
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.