“GONIN”, Original Release Japanese Movie Poster 1995, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) Q220
This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed in 1995 for the first domestic release of GONIN / ゴニン, directed and written by Takashi Ishii.
Widely regarded as one of the defining works of 1990s Japanese crime cinema, GONIN is a brutal, stylish, and deeply atmospheric neo-noir thriller set in the wreckage of Japan’s post-bubble economy. The film follows five desperate outsiders — each damaged, cornered, or socially discarded — who band together to rob a yakuza syndicate, only to unleash a relentless spiral of betrayal, paranoia, and explosive violence.
The cast is exceptional, featuring Koichi Sato, Beat Takeshi / Takeshi Kitano, Masahiro Motoki, Jinpachi Nezu, Naoto Takenaka, Kippei Shiina, Shingo Tsurumi, Kazuya Kimura, and Toshiyuki Nagashima. The result is one of the most iconic ensemble crime films of its era.
The poster features a fantastic and instantly recognisable design. A vertical filmstrip runs down the composition, stacking intense close-up portraits of the principal cast, including the unforgettable image of Beat Takeshi with an eye patch. Behind this, a shadowy gunman silhouette looms through a pale background, while bullet-hole fractures spread across the left side like shattered glass. Across the lower portion, the title GONIN appears in huge, aggressive red lettering, giving the poster enormous visual force.
The Japanese copy at upper right reads:
「生か死か — 極限のバイオレンスが弾ける！」
「キレたら止まらない」
Roughly translated, this means:
“Life or death — extreme violence explodes!”
“Once you snap, there’s no stopping.”
It is a perfect summary of the film’s savage mood and unstoppable momentum.
About the film
Directed by Takashi Ishii, GONIN has become a true cult classic and a cornerstone of modern Japanese noir. Stylish, nihilistic, and emotionally charged, the film explores masculinity, desperation, sexuality, economic collapse, and violence with a cold elegance unique to Ishii’s cinema.
For collectors of Beat Takeshi, the film is also especially significant. His role as one of the detached and terrifying hitmen remains one of the most memorable supporting performances of his acting career, and a key part of the film’s enduring reputation.
Why collectors prize this example
Original 1995 first-release poster: printed for the film’s initial Japanese theatrical campaign.
Cult Japanese crime classic: one of the standout posters from the golden era of 1990s Japanese neo-noir.
Outstanding ensemble cast: featuring Beat Takeshi and a powerhouse line-up of major Japanese actors.
Striking design: the filmstrip layout, shattered-glass imagery, and giant red GONIN title make this one of the most visually powerful Japanese crime posters of the decade.
Highly collectible title: essential for collectors of Takashi Ishii, Beat Takeshi, and Japanese cult cinema.
Condition
This poster is in excellent condition.
It presents beautifully, with strong colour, sharp print quality, and excellent overall visual impact. Please refer carefully to the imagery, as this is the exact poster that is for sale.
It is over 30 years old!
It is not a reproduction and not a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
