{"product_id":"the-beast-to-die-野獣死すべし-original-japanese-movie-poster-1980-b2-size-51-73-cm-h289","title":"“The Beast to Die” \/ 「野獣死すべし」, Original Japanese Movie Poster 1980, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) H289","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\" data-turn-id-container=\"request-WEB:4791d3a1-c19b-4235-aaeb-99291134ce9d-1\" data-is-intersecting=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [\u0026amp;:has([data-writing-block])\u0026gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"request-WEB:4791d3a1-c19b-4235-aaeb-99291134ce9d-1\" data-turn-id-container=\"request-WEB:4791d3a1-c19b-4235-aaeb-99291134ce9d-1\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-2\" data-turn=\"assistant\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-15 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-conversation-screenshot-content=\"\" class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"6f5947b1-127a-47c7-934c-869374d37410\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-6-thinking\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"streaming-animation markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"99\" data-end=\"321\"\u003eThis is an \u003cstrong data-start=\"110\" data-end=\"152\"\u003eoriginal Japanese B2 theatrical poster\u003c\/strong\u003e printed for the first Japanese release of \u003cstrong data-start=\"195\" data-end=\"226\"\u003eThe Beast to Die \/ 「野獣死すべし」\u003c\/strong\u003e, Tōru Murakawa’s uncompromising 1980 psychological crime thriller starring \u003cstrong data-start=\"302\" data-end=\"320\"\u003eYūsaku Matsuda\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"323\" data-end=\"675\"\u003eReleased in Japan on \u003cstrong data-start=\"344\" data-end=\"362\"\u003e4 October 1980\u003c\/strong\u003e, the film was adapted from Haruhiko Ōyabu’s celebrated hard-boiled novel. It reunited Matsuda and Murakawa following their successful collaboration on \u003cem data-start=\"514\" data-end=\"551\"\u003eThe Resurrection of the Golden Wolf\u003c\/em\u003e, producing one of the most intense and unsettling Japanese crime films of its period. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"677\" data-end=\"696\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"677\" data-end=\"696\"\u003eFilm background\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"698\" data-end=\"885\"\u003eThe film follows \u003cstrong data-start=\"715\" data-end=\"732\"\u003eKunihiko Date\u003c\/strong\u003e, a former press photographer who has returned to Tokyo after witnessing violence and human suffering in war zones including Angola, Lebanon, and Uganda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"887\" data-end=\"1167\"\u003eAlthough Date outwardly leads a cultivated life as a translator and classical-music enthusiast, his experiences have left him profoundly alienated from ordinary society. Beneath his controlled exterior lies a cold, predatory intelligence and a growing compulsion towards violence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1169\" data-end=\"1455\"\u003eAfter murdering a police officer and stealing his handgun, Date attacks an illegal gambling establishment and begins planning an audacious bank robbery. He eventually recruits the volatile young waiter \u003cstrong data-start=\"1371\" data-end=\"1388\"\u003eTetsuo Sanada\u003c\/strong\u003e, recognising in him a similar contempt for the conventional world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1457\" data-end=\"1829\"\u003eTheir increasingly brutal activities draw the attention of detective Kashiwagi, who becomes convinced that Date is responsible for the crimes and begins pursuing him through Tokyo. What develops is not simply a police thriller, but a bleak examination of trauma, nihilism, criminal obsession, and the disintegration of moral identity. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1831\" data-end=\"2234\"\u003eMatsuda’s performance became particularly noted for the extremity of his physical transformation. He reportedly lost more than ten kilograms and had four molars removed to give Date’s face its hollow, deathlike appearance. His restrained voice, gaunt features, and unpredictable eruptions of violence create one of the most disturbing antiheroes in Japanese cinema. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2236\" data-end=\"2394\"\u003eThe film was directed by \u003cstrong data-start=\"2261\" data-end=\"2278\"\u003eTōru Murakawa\u003c\/strong\u003e, from a screenplay by \u003cstrong data-start=\"2301\" data-end=\"2321\"\u003eShōichi Maruyama\u003c\/strong\u003e, with cinematography by \u003cstrong data-start=\"2346\" data-end=\"2362\"\u003eSeizō Sengen\u003c\/strong\u003e and music by Akihiko Takashima.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2396\" data-end=\"2594\"\u003eThe principal cast includes \u003cstrong data-start=\"2424\" data-end=\"2555\"\u003eYūsaku Matsuda, Takeshi Kaga, Hideo Murota, Asami Kobayashi, Kie Negishi, Morio Kazama, Kōichi Iwaki, Rei Okamoto, and Kei Satō\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2596\" data-end=\"2613\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2596\" data-end=\"2613\"\u003ePoster design\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2615\" data-end=\"2775\"\u003eThis exceptional Japanese design uses a stark combination of \u003cstrong data-start=\"2676\" data-end=\"2774\"\u003egrainy photographic imagery, monumental black typography, and an intensely saturated red dress\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2777\" data-end=\"2968\"\u003eAt the centre, Matsuda’s Date emerges almost completely from shadow. His face is largely concealed behind the body of \u003cstrong data-start=\"2895\" data-end=\"2911\"\u003eReiko Hanada\u003c\/strong\u003e, played by Asami Kobayashi, whom he carries in his arms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2970\" data-end=\"3242\"\u003eReiko’s body falls backwards in a dramatic arch, her eyes closed and her arms hanging loosely towards the ground. Her flowing red dress expands across almost the entire lower half of the poster, introducing a powerful sense of movement, violence, and tragic theatricality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3244\" data-end=\"3507\"\u003eDate’s dark clothing and obscured features reduce him to an almost anonymous silhouette. The visible handgun, tightly controlled posture, and absence of expression reinforce his transformation from sophisticated intellectual into an emotionally detached predator.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3509\" data-end=\"3748\"\u003eThe image is printed with a deliberately coarse, highly textured photographic surface. Rather than softening the scene, this granular treatment gives the poster the appearance of a newspaper crime photograph or degraded surveillance image.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3750\" data-end=\"3778\"\u003eThe enormous vertical title:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3780\" data-end=\"3792\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3780\" data-end=\"3792\"\u003e「野獣死すべし」\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3794\" data-end=\"3850\"\u003eoccupies almost the entire left side of the composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3852\" data-end=\"3893\"\u003eThe title may be translated literally as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3895\" data-end=\"3920\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3895\" data-end=\"3920\"\u003e“The Beast Must Die.”\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3922\" data-end=\"4251\"\u003eIts immense, uncompromising black characters contrast sharply with the pale grey background and the vivid red of Kobayashi’s dress. The typography is not simply informational; it becomes an architectural part of the image, visually enclosing the figures and intensifying the poster’s atmosphere of entrapment and impending death.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4574\" data-end=\"4849\"\u003eThe result is an exceptionally bold example of early-1980s Japanese film advertising. Its limited palette, confrontational imagery, and severe typography communicate the film’s psychological violence without relying upon a conventional montage of characters or action scenes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4851\" data-end=\"4867\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4851\" data-end=\"4867\"\u003eRelease note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4869\" data-end=\"5209\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"4869\" data-end=\"4887\"\u003eThe Beast to Die\u003c\/em\u003e was released theatrically in Japan on \u003cstrong data-start=\"4926\" data-end=\"4944\"\u003e4 October 1980\u003c\/strong\u003e. The colour feature runs approximately \u003cstrong data-start=\"4984\" data-end=\"4999\"\u003e118 minutes\u003c\/strong\u003e and was produced as part of the influential cycle of Kadokawa films that combined major literary properties, prominent stars, and highly distinctive promotional campaigns. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5211\" data-end=\"5297\"\u003eThis poster was printed for the film’s \u003cstrong data-start=\"5250\" data-end=\"5296\"\u003eoriginal 1980 Japanese theatrical campaign\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5299\" data-end=\"5365\"\u003eIt is a standard Japanese B2-size poster, measuring approximately:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5367\" data-end=\"5406\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5367\" data-end=\"5406\"\u003e51.5 × 72.8 cm \/ 20.3 × 28.7 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5408\" data-end=\"5508\"\u003eIt is an \u003cstrong data-start=\"5417\" data-end=\"5459\"\u003eoriginal period Japanese cinema poster\u003c\/strong\u003e, not a later reproduction or commercial reprint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5510\" data-end=\"5523\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5510\" data-end=\"5523\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5525\" data-end=\"5724\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5525\" data-end=\"5549\"\u003eExcellent condition.\u003c\/strong\u003e A particularly attractive and well-preserved example, retaining strong red and black tones, clear photographic detail, crisp typography, and excellent overall display impact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5726\" data-end=\"5911\"\u003eThere are only very light signs of age and handling consistent with an original Japanese theatrical poster from this period, but no significant condition issues detract from the design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5913\" data-end=\"5933\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5913\" data-end=\"5933\"\u003eReference: H289.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5935\" data-end=\"6013\"\u003ePlease review the photograph carefully, as it shows the exact poster for sale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6015\" data-end=\"6155\"\u003eThis is an \u003cstrong data-start=\"6026\" data-end=\"6109\"\u003eoriginal Japanese theatrical poster from the film’s first-release 1980 campaign\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003cbr data-start=\"6110\" data-end=\"6113\"\u003eIt is \u003cstrong data-start=\"6119\" data-end=\"6154\"\u003enot a reproduction or a reprint\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6157\" data-end=\"6189\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"6157\" data-end=\"6189\"\u003eIt is now over 45 years old.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6191\" data-end=\"6232\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"6191\" data-end=\"6232\" data-is-last-node=\"\"\u003eCertificate of Authenticity included.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Japan Poster Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57089395491194,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0424\/8859\/4591\/files\/wall-shelf-with-ornaments-2026-07-20T160551.473.jpg?v=1784531165","url":"https:\/\/japanposter.co.uk\/products\/the-beast-to-die-%e9%87%8e%e7%8d%a3%e6%ad%bb%e3%81%99%e3%81%b9%e3%81%97-original-japanese-movie-poster-1980-b2-size-51-73-cm-h289","provider":"Japan Poster Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}