House of Bamboo

House of Bamboo

Year: 1955

Runtime: 102 mins

Language: English

DramaCrimeCrime drugs and gangstersHeists and thrilling actionGritty crime and ruthless gangsters

Set in the gritty post‑war underworld of Tokyo, Army operative Eddie Kenner receives a covert mission to infiltrate the criminal sphere and obtain a full report on Sandy Dawson. Dawson, a former U.S. GI, has assembled a gang composed of fellow ex‑servicemen and Japanese locals, leveraging their wartime bonds to control the city’s black market.

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Timeline & Setting – House of Bamboo (1955)

Explore the full timeline and setting of House of Bamboo (1955). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1950s

Postwar Tokyo in the 1950s is depicted as a city rebuilding itself amid rapid urbanization. American troops and local police shape daily life and city dynamics, creating a tense atmosphere for crime and espionage. The era's shifting loyalties and power struggles provide the backdrop for an undercover investigation that drives the plot.

Location

Tokyo, Japan

Set mainly in Tokyo, Japan, during the postwar era, the city is a mix of modernizing streets and tense police activity. Neon-lit parlors and crowded pachinko joints dot the urban landscape, hinting at both opportunity and danger. The setting underscores the clash between American military presence and Japanese authorities, fueling the film's intrigue.

🏙️ Tokyo setting 🚨 Crime drama 🗺️ City noir

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:25

Main Characters – House of Bamboo (1955)

Meet the key characters of House of Bamboo (1955), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Eddie Kenner (Robert Stack)

An American Army sergeant who goes undercover within the Dawson gang to expose their crimes. Resourceful, calm under pressure, and morally driven, he risks his life while balancing his cover with genuine concern for justice. His evolving relationship with Mariko adds personal stakes to the mission.

🕶️ Undercover 🎯 Strategic 💡 Quick-thinking

Mariko Nagoya (Yoshiko Yamaguchi)

A Japanese woman secretly married to Webber, she is drawn into Eddie's investigation while trying to protect herself from danger. She agrees to live with Eddie as his 'kimono girl' to aid the mission, torn between loyalty to Webber's memory and her growing feelings for Eddie. Her cooperation is pivotal to revealing the gang's machinations.

💞 Love interest 🤝 Ally 🎎 Cultural bridge

Sandy Dawson (Robert Ryan)

The ruthless leader of a gang of disgruntled ex-servicemen, he uses violence and manipulation to run robberies and intimidate rivals. Charismatic yet brutal, his plans constantly threaten Eddie's undercover operation. His pursuit of control culminates in a high-stakes showdown with Eddie.

🔥 Gang leader ⚔️ Antagonist 🔫 Robbery mastermind

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:25

Major Themes – House of Bamboo (1955)

Explore the central themes of House of Bamboo (1955), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️ Undercover

Eddie Kenner operates under a false identity to infiltrate the Dawson gang, balancing risk and deception to uncover the truth. The undercover mission tests his nerve, loyalty, and ability to separate personal feelings from duty. Trust becomes a currency as allies and enemies alike question Eddie's true motives. The tension between cover and conscience fuels the narrative.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal threads through alliances and loyalties, from Webber's concealed life to Eddie's double role. Characters wrestling with secrets place personal safety above trust, leading to calculated risks and tragic consequences. The story probes whether loyalty to comrades can withstand the pressures of crime and undercover work. Betrayal ultimately tests love, honor, and justice.

🌸 Cross-cultural Romance

The romance between Eddie and Mariko crosses cultural boundaries, complicating loyalties and professional duties. Their relationship blends vulnerability with strategic collaboration, highlighting the human side of espionage. cultural expectations clash with personal affection, adding emotional depth to the pursuit of truth. Love becomes both a motive and a risk in a morally gray world.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:25

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Unlock the Full Story of House of Bamboo

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House of Bamboo Summary

Read a complete plot summary of House of Bamboo, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

House of Bamboo Summary

House of Bamboo Timeline

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House of Bamboo Timeline

More About House of Bamboo

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