“The Last Crusade / Mihai Viteazul” (虐殺軍団), Original Japanese First-Release Movie Poster 1973, B2 Size (c. 51 × 73 cm) T14

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for the first Japanese release of The Last Crusade, originally titled Mihai Viteazul and also known as Michael the Brave. Directed by Sergiu Nicolaescu and starring Amza Pellea, the film opened in Japan on 28 April 1973, distributed by Columbia Pictures under the title 虐殺軍団 (Gyakusatsu Gundan). 

Film background

This Romanian historical epic follows Michael the Brave, the ruler whose military campaigns brought Wallachia, Transylvania, and Moldavia briefly under his authority at the beginning of the seventeenth century.

The film combines political intrigue, personal loyalties, and large-scale battles, with Amza Pellea portraying Michael at the centre of a struggle involving Ottoman power and rival European interests. Written by Titus Popovici, it features Irina Gărdescu, Ion Besoiu, and Florin Piersic among its supporting cast. 

Poster design

The Japanese campaign presents the film as an intense historical battle spectacle. A prominent portrait of Michael in his feathered fur hat provides the central focus, surrounded by cavalry, weaponry, and scenes of conflict.

The composition combines the hero’s likeness with a crowded battle montage, conveying the scale and violence of the story. Contrasting promotional lettering adds to the sense of urgency, while the enormous red Japanese title 虐殺軍団 anchors the lower section.

The title translates approximately as “Massacre Army”, reflecting the forceful approach taken by the Japanese marketing campaign. Together, the dramatic imagery and emphatic typography create a distinctive example of 1970s Japanese advertising for an overseas historical epic.

About B2 posters

Measuring approximately 51 × 73 cm, B2 is one of the principal Japanese theatrical poster formats. Its proportions allow the portraits, battle scenes, and bold title to form a substantial yet practical display piece.

Significance

This poster documents the Japanese theatrical presentation of Romanian historical cinema, with particular appeal for collectors of Sergiu Nicolaescu, European film, historical epics, and Japanese movie-poster design.

Condition

Excellent. Please review the photographs, as they show the exact poster for sale.

It is approximately 53 years old!

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.