Crows Zero 2
Crows Zero II (クローズZERO II), also known as Crows Zero 2, is a 2009 Japanese action film directed by Takashi Miike, serving as the direct sequel to the 2007 film Crows Zero.[1][2] The movie adapts elements from Hiroshi Takahashi's manga series Crows, focusing on themes of high school delinquency, gang rivalries, and violent confrontations among students.[3] It follows Genji Takaya, the leader of the victorious GPS alliance at Suzuran All-Boys High School, as his group faces a renewed threat from the students of Hosen Academy—feared as "The Army of Killers"—after a longstanding non-aggression pact is inadvertently broken, sparking an all-out turf war.[1][2] The film features a returning ensemble cast, including Shun Oguri reprising his role as the ambitious Genji Takaya, Takayuki Yamada as the rival-turned-ally Tamao Serizawa, and Kenta Kiritani as Tokio Tatsukawa, alongside new characters representing the Hosen faction.[1] With a runtime of 133 minutes, Crows Zero II blends intense fight choreography, dark humor, and dramatic alliances in the vein of Miike's signature stylistic excess.[2] Produced by Toho Company and released in Japan on April 11, 2009, the film achieved commercial success, grossing approximately $29.9 million worldwide.[1][4] Critically, Crows Zero II received an audience approval rating of 77% on Rotten Tomatoes based on over 500 user ratings, where it was noted for its "violent, often slyly funny vision of the endless male path to hierarchical supremacy."[5] The sequel further solidified the franchise's popularity in Japan, leading to additional adaptations and cementing Miike's reputation for adapting youth subculture stories with high-octane flair.[6]Background
Manga origins
Crows is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hiroshi Takahashi, serialized in Akita Shoten's Monthly Shōnen Champion magazine from 1990 to 1998. The story is set at Suzuran All-Boys High School, a fictional institution infamous for its delinquent students and constant turf wars, capturing the essence of high school life dominated by violence and rebellion. Compiled into 26 tankōbon volumes, the series became a cornerstone of the yankii manga genre, which portrays the subculture of Japanese juvenile delinquents known for their rebellious fashion, modified motorcycles, and gang affiliations.[7][8][9] Central to Crows are themes of fierce gang rivalries between schools, the deep bonds of brotherhood forged through shared hardships and loyalty among outcasts, and structural influences reminiscent of yakuza organizations, including strict hierarchies and codes of honor within student gangs. These elements highlight the chaotic yet camaraderie-driven world of delinquent youth, drawing from real-life yankii and sukeban cultures that emphasized group identity and defiance against societal norms. The manga's raw depiction of these dynamics not only entertained but also shaped subsequent works in the delinquent genre, emphasizing personal growth amid endless conflicts.[10][9] Crows Zero II adapts character archetypes and the rivalry between Suzuran and Housen Academy from the manga, incorporating tough, bald-headed enforcers and strategic leaders that define the schools' opposing philosophies. While the film serves as a prequel, it borrows the foundational rivalry and gang dynamics to build its narrative, without directly replicating specific events from the original storyline. This adaptation helped popularize the manga's universe, extending its influence through live-action portrayals of the delinquent world.[11][10] The series forms the foundation of Takahashi's broader Crows x Worst universe, later expanded in the sequel manga Worst, which continues exploring similar themes in a post-high school setting.[12]Prequel connection
Crows Zero II serves as a direct sequel to the 2007 film Crows Zero, picking up several months after the events where protagonist Genji Takiya successfully conquers Suzuran All-Boys High School, a notorious institution dominated by delinquent gangs. The Crows Zero film series, including the sequel, is set as a prequel to the events of the original manga, featuring original characters and storylines that precede the manga's timeline. In the first film, Genji, a yakuza heir, transfers to Suzuran with the ambition to unite the school under his leadership, ultimately defeating key rivals including Tamao Serizawa and forming the Genji Perfect Seiha (GPS) alliance to solidify his control.[13] This victory establishes Genji as the top figure at Suzuran, with his GPS faction comprising loyal followers who helped overcome internal power struggles. The sequel builds on these outcomes by introducing unresolved tensions from the prequel, particularly the fragile non-aggression pact between Suzuran and its historic rival, Housen Academy. This pact stems from past conflicts, including a notorious incident involving a Suzuran alumnus, and serves to maintain a tense peace between the schools. Returning characters like Genji (played by Shun Oguri) and Serizawa (Takayuki Yamada) retain their post-conquest statuses, with Genji focused on maintaining unity at Suzuran amid graduation pressures, while Serizawa's faction remains a key player in the school's dynamics.[4][14] Directed by Takashi Miike, Crows Zero II expands the narrative scope beyond Suzuran's internal rivalries by centering the conflict on the longstanding feud with Housen Academy, drawing inspiration from Hiroshi Takahashi's Crows manga universe but crafting an original storyline tailored to the film series. The films' plot, including the Housen confrontation, was not part of the original manga timeline and later received its own official manga adaptation titled Crows Zero II: Suzuran x Housen.[15] This approach allows Miike to explore broader delinquent warfare while staying rooted in the manga's themes of school gangs and honor. The sequel's development capitalized on the first film's commercial triumph, which grossed approximately ¥2.5 billion in Japan, making it one of the highest-earning Japanese films of 2007 and prompting the expansion into new rivalries.[6][16]Synopsis and cast
Plot
Following the events of the prequel, where a non-aggression pact was established between Suzuran High School and rival Hosen Academy after a violent confrontation, tension reignites in Crows Zero II when Noboru Kawanishi, a former Suzuran student recently released from reformatory after killing a Hosen member, draws the attention of Hosen's notorious "Army of Killers."[4][17] This breach escalates into a central conflict for Genji Takiya, leader of the GPS alliance at Suzuran, as he must defend his turf against the invading force while grappling with internal divisions, including reluctance from the rival Serizawa Army to join the fight.[3] Key events unfold through intensifying turf wars, with Hosen's aggression prompting retaliatory strikes and betrayals within their own ranks, particularly involving leader Narumi Taiga's struggles against disloyalty from key members.[3] Genji's leadership is rigorously tested as he attempts to unify Suzuran's fractured groups, highlighting themes of loyalty amid the chaos of revenge-driven violence. Rindaman, the legendary and untouchable loner at Suzuran, emerges as a pivotal figure whose elusive strength influences the dynamics of the escalating rivalries.[4][17] The narrative builds to a climactic all-out battle between Suzuran and Hosen, where personal vendettas and alliances collide in a massive confrontation. The resolution of this inter-school war carries profound implications for Genji's overarching ambitions to conquer Suzuran and inherit his father's yakuza organization, underscoring the high stakes of his journey toward dominance.[3]Cast
Crows Zero II features a predominantly returning cast from the 2007 prequel Crows Zero, ensuring narrative continuity among the core ensemble of delinquents at Suzuran High School. This approach maintains the established character dynamics and visual style of the series, with director Takashi Miike retaining key performers to portray the ongoing rivalries and alliances.[18][19] The lead role of Genji Takiya, the ambitious yakuza heir seeking to conquer Suzuran, is reprised by Shun Oguri, who anchors the film's central conflict. Takayuki Yamada returns as Tamao Serizawa, Genji's primary rival and former leader of the school's strongest faction. Kenta Kiritani portrays Tokio Tatsukawa, Serizawa's loyal lieutenant, continuing his role from the first film.[18][20][19] Key supporting roles include Meisa Kuroki as Ruka Aizawa, Genji's love interest and a member of the school's female contingent; Kyosuke Yabe as Ken Katagiri, Genji's right-hand man; and Motoki Fukami as Megumi Hayashida, known as Rindaman, the legendary undefeated fighter whose archetype draws from the original manga's iconic delinquent. Other notable returns encompass Yusuke Kamiji as Shoji Tsutsumoto, a Serizawa Army member skilled in judo, and Tsutomu Takahashi as Takashi Makise, part of Genji's GPS alliance. Additional reprising actors include Ryo Hashizume as Toshiaki Honjo (nicknamed Pon), Shunsuke Daito as Hiromi Kirishima, and Kaname Endo as Yuji Tokaji, emphasizing the ensemble's depth with over ten actors maintaining their prior characterizations for seamless progression.[18][4][19]| Actor | Role | Notes on Casting |
|---|---|---|
| Shun Oguri | Genji Takiya | Lead; returning from prequel |
| Takayuki Yamada | Tamao Serizawa | Lead rival; returning |
| Kenta Kiritani | Tokio Tatsukawa | Supporting; returning |
| Meisa Kuroki | Ruka Aizawa | Supporting; returning |
| Kyosuke Yabe | Ken Katagiri | Supporting; returning |
| Motoki Fukami | Megumi Hayashida (Rindaman) | Supporting; returning, embodies manga archetype |
| Yusuke Kamiji | Shoji Tsutsumoto | Supporting; returning |
| Tsutomu Takahashi | Takashi Makise | Supporting; returning |
| Ryo Hashizume | Toshiaki Honjo | Supporting; returning |
| Shunsuke Daito | Hiromi Kirishima | Supporting; returning |
| Kaname Endo | Yuji Tokaji | Supporting; returning |
Production
Development
Following the commercial success of the 2007 film Crows Zero, which grossed over 2.5 billion yen at the Japanese box office, producer Mataichirō Yamamoto announced the development of a sequel on May 14, 2008, through Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS).[21] The project, tentatively titled Crows Zero II, was positioned as a direct continuation set eight months after the events of the first film, shifting the narrative focus from internal conflicts at Suzuran High School to an escalating inter-school rivalry with the notorious Hosen Academy.[22] Takashi Miike, who had directed the original film, was confirmed to return for the sequel, building on the established style of high-stakes gang action while aiming to expand the scope of the battles to involve larger alliances and rival factions.[21] This decision leveraged Miike's reputation for dynamic, over-the-top violence, with the story drawing inspiration from Hiroshi Takahashi's Crows manga to introduce new elements like the "Army of Killers" from Hosen, creating an original plot that emphasized cross-school warfare rather than repeating the intra-Suzuran power struggles.[23] The screenplay was penned by Shogo Muto, who adapted manga motifs into a cinematic narrative centered on protagonist Genji Takiya's final push for dominance amid graduation pressures and external threats.[23] Principal photography was slated to begin in July 2008, with a theatrical release targeted for 2009 in Japan, and Yamamoto expressed ambitions for the film to surpass the original's earnings by reaching 3.5 billion yen.[22] Development emphasized maintaining fidelity to the manga's delinquent culture and themes of loyalty and rivalry while innovating for the screen through heightened action sequences.[21]Filming
Principal photography for Crows Zero 2 took place primarily in Tsuchiura, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, where production utilized local sites to capture the gritty, urban environments of the rival schools Suzuran and Housen. Key locations included Tsuchiura Industrial High School for school interiors and exteriors, The Mall 505 shopping center for street-level confrontations, Nioi Bridge for dramatic sequences, and an abandoned gas station to evoke the rundown, antagonistic territories of the story. These choices emphasized authentic, on-location shooting to heighten the film's raw delinquent atmosphere, drawing on the area's mix of educational facilities and decaying urban spaces.[24][25] Filming spanned approximately three months, from August to October 2008, following preparatory training that began in July to prepare the cast for the demanding physical roles. The schedule focused on executing the film's expansive action set pieces, which required meticulous coordination of stunts involving numerous extras to simulate chaotic gang brawls between the schools. Director Takashi Miike prioritized practical effects in these sequences, relying on real choreography and minimal digital enhancements to convey the visceral impact of the fights, avoiding heavy reliance on CGI for authenticity.[22][24][26] Miike's signature dynamic camera work enhanced the intensity of the action, employing handheld shots and jerky movements to immerse viewers in the frenetic pace of the brawls, with tight framing occasionally obscuring details to mimic the disorientation of combat. This approach, combined with slow-motion captures of key impacts, underscored the physical toll and hierarchical stakes in the rivalries, while stunt teams ensured safety protocols were followed, resulting in no reported major delays or incidents during production.[27][28][29]Music
Soundtrack
The soundtrack for Crows Zero 2 incorporates a mix of licensed Japanese rock and punk tracks that amplify the film's themes of juvenile delinquency, rivalry, and high-energy confrontations. These songs, drawn from contemporary J-rock artists, are integrated to underscore action sequences, emotional beats, and transitional moments, providing a raw, rebellious auditory backdrop distinct from the film's original score. A compilation album titled Crows Zero II was released on April 8, 2009, by For Life Music Entertainment in Japan under catalog number FLCF-4274. The album compiles 19 tracks, featuring contributions from established bands and performers in the alternative rock and punk scenes, which align with the movie's portrayal of youth subculture and gang dynamics. It blends upbeat anthems with introspective pieces, emphasizing the high-octane lifestyle of the protagonists.[30][31] Key tracks on the album include "I Wanna Change" by The Street Beats, "Spring Snow" by Kenichi Asai, "Boost" by Odd-Bowz, "Torch Lighter" by DOES, and "Sasurai no Uta (Movie Ver.)" by The Street Beats.[30]| Track No. | Artist | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hiroshi Furukawa | Interlude.1 (The Man) |
| 2 | The Mods | Shitsville |
| 3 | Hiroshi Furukawa | Interlude.2 (War) |
| 4 | The Street Beats | I Wanna Change |
| 5 | Kenichi Asai | Spring Snow |
| 6 | Odd-Bowz | Boost |
| 7 | Meisa Kuroki | Bad Girl (Movie Ver.) |
| 8 | Hiroshi Furukawa | Interlude.3 (Dilemma) |
| 9 | DOES | Torch Lighter |
| 10 | Namiki Ruri | Heartbreak |
| 11 | Hiroshi Furukawa | Interlude.4 (Time Has Come) |
| 12 | Aggressive Dogs a.k.a. Uzi-One | Loud |
| 13 | Hiroshi Furukawa | Into The Battlefield II |
| 14 | Jiruba | Kazeninare |
| 15 | 10-Feet | 1 Sec. |
| 16 | Ootsubo Naoki | Gekitotsu II |
| 17 | Ootsubo Naoki | Kettou |
| 18 | Hiroshi Furukawa feat. Ootsubo Naoki | Sotsugyou |
| 19 | The Street Beats | Sasurai no Uta |