Tetsuya Asakara: Gentleman by Day, Criminal by Night
Tetsuya Asakara (Yūsaku Matsuda) is far from an ordinary gentleman. During the day, he enjoys keeping a low profile, working at an oil company while wearing a wig and glasses. Despite blending in during the day with his work colleagues, at night, Tetsuya becomes someone entirely different, thieving and killing with the goal of one day becoming highly wealthy and marrying the woman of his dreams.
From Theft to Ambition: Tetsuya’s Deadly Game
When some cash transporters leave a building carrying large silver briefcases, Tetsuya, disguised as a policeman, approaches one of the men. Murdering the man while remaining completely unnoticed by the public around him, Tetsuya escapes with a case full of 100 million yen. However, when he opens his stolen briefcase full of cash, he discovers that each banknote bears a serial number, and a new task force has been set up to catch the thief. Tetsuya decides to take things to the next level by attempting to convert the stolen cash into heroin, which he plans to sell instead. But for Tetsuya to reach the top, his journey will not be an easy one, as he finds himself going up against powerful criminals and a task force determined to get revenge. But while working at the oil company, Tetsuya also makes discoveries that present another opportunity for great fortune and personal success. The question is, will Tetsuya achieve his long-term dream and truly succeed?
Behind the Camera: Director and Writer
The Resurrection of the Golden Wolf (Yomigaeru Kinrô) is a Japanese crime thriller with a dose of action. The film was directed by Tōru Murakawa, whose other work behind the camera includes The Beast to Die (1980), The Most Dangerous Game (1978), The Execution Game (1979), The Killing Game (1978), and many more. Adapting the novel by Haruhiko Ôyabu into a screenplay is Hideichi Nagahara, whose credits include several major titles such as The Return of Godzilla (1984), Godzilla 1985 (1985), and A Colt Is My Passport (1967).
A Villain You Can’t Help But Root For
Although the film’s lead is undeniably a bad guy, you can’t help but cheer him on and wonder whether Tetsuya will actually achieve his long-term life goals. The character works alone, trusts no one, and is often selfish, with his eyes constantly fixed on the ultimate prize of money, wealth, and everything that comes with it. While the film’s lead is likable, I couldn’t help wanting to know more about his backstory. How did Tetsuya become so skilled as a thief and killer, and when did his thirst for power and money first take shape? Instead, viewers are thrown straight into the present, with Tetsuya taking the necessary steps toward reaching his ambitions.
Cinematography, Music, and an Unforgettable Finale
The film consists of wonderful cinematography and strong visuals thanks to Seizō Sengen, and the musical score by Casey Rankin and Tosh is lively and funky, almost as if I were watching an episode of Starsky and Hutch. While I found myself genuinely compelled by the story, the second act felt slightly slower than the rest of the film, and at times, some plot details were a little complex. However, the film ultimately builds toward a finale and climax that is deeply rewarding, touching, and shocking, making the overall experience an unforgettable one.
The Resurrection of the Golden Wolf: Impactful and Unforgettable
Resurrection of the Golden Wolf (1979) is Now Available on Blu-ray thanks to Umbrella.
Published: 23rd November 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden
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