Chōchin (Japanese: ちょうちん), also known as Paper Lantern, is a 1987 Japanese crime drama film directed by Shunichi Kajima. It is an adaptation of a novel by Shōji Kaneko, who died of cancer four years prior to the film's production. The screenplay was written by Goro Hanawa. It stars Takanori Jinnai in the lead role, alongside Eri Ishida, Yoshio Harada and Mariko Kaga. Toei released Chōchin on May 23, 1987, in Japan, where it was a financial success.
Contents
Premise
A new wave yakuza film in which Takanori Jinnai plays a young yakuza suffering from stomach cancer who has very little time left to live.
Awards and nominations
9th Yokohama Film Festival
Won: Best Director - Shunichi Kajima (shared with Kazuo Hara)
Won: Best Supporting Actress - Eri Ishida
Special Jury Prize
Best Ten List: 5th place
12th Hochi Film Awards
Won: Best Actor – Takanori Jinnai
61st Kinema Junpo Best Ten Awards
Best Ten List: 10th place
30th Blue Ribbon Awards
Won: Best Actor – Takanori Jinnai
11th Japan Academy Awards
Nominated: Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role – Takanori Jinnai
Nominated: Newcomer of the Year – Masayuki Watanabe