Sonatine (1993)

Kernel Score: 83% · 676 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller

Released: 1993-09-10

Runtime: 94 minutes

Overview

Murakawa, an aging Tokyo yakuza tiring of gangster life, is sent by his boss to Okinawa along with a few of his henchmen to help end a gang war, supposedly as mediators between two warring clans. He finds that the dispute between the clans is insignificant and whilst wondering why he was sent to Okinawa at all, his group is attacked in an ambush. The survivors flee and make a decision to lay low at the beach while they await further instructions.

Sonatine parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that Sonatine is an R-rated yakuza crime thriller featuring gun violence, Russian roulette, and gangster culture.

  • Violence & scariness: Strong — Depicts yakuza gang warfare, gun violence, bullet wounds, and a Russian roulette scene.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Sonatine

If you liked Sonatine, these are the movies we'd watch next.

Director

Takeshi Kitano

Cast

  • Takeshi Kitano as Aniki Murakawa
  • Aya Kokumai as Miyuki
  • Tetsu Watanabe as Uechi
  • Masanobu Katsumura as Ryoji
  • Susumu Terajima as Ken
  • Ren Osugi as Katagiri
  • Tonbo Zushi as Kitajima
  • Kenichi Yajima as Takahashi
  • Eiji Minakata as The Hit Man
  • Houka Kinoshita as Kitajima Gang Member

Sonatine FAQ

Is Sonatine good?

Sonatine has an 83% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 676 audience ratings.

Is Sonatine OK for kids?

Sonatine is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Sonatine is an R-rated yakuza crime thriller featuring gun violence, Russian roulette, and gangster culture.

What movies are like Sonatine?

If you liked Sonatine, try Branded to Kill, Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair, The Yakuza and Ichi the Killer.