Shinjuku Incident

Shinjuku Incident

Year: 2010

Runtime: 120 min

Language: Chinese

Director: Tung-Shing Yee

Budget: $15M

DramaThrillerCrime

In Tokyo's underbelly, Nick, a Chinese man seeking his estranged girlfriend Xiu Xiu, finds her involved with the dangerous yakuza. His search plunges him into a world of organized crime and moral conflict. He must decide whether to confront Xiu Xiu’s new husband and disrupt the yakuza’s operations, or allow her to remain within that life.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Shinjuku Incident (2010)

Trace every key event in Shinjuku Incident (2010) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Steelhead's Decision

In the early 1990s, Steelhead, a skilled tractor mechanic, makes the bold choice to illegally enter Japan from China. His heart is set on reuniting with his fiancée, Xiu-Xiu, driving him to take this dangerous leap.

1990s China
2

Abundant Chaos in the Underworld

After arriving in Japan, Steelhead teams up with Jie, a supposed friend, and dives into the underworld's illicit activities. However, their reckless behavior soon attracts the attention of law enforcement.

Japan
3

Becoming a Hero

Amid a dangerous chase from the police, Steelhead saves Detective Kitano from drowning. This unexpected act of heroism results in Kitano offering Steelhead a surprising reprieve from his pursuit.

Water
4

Heartbreak at the Restaurant

One evening at the restaurant where Steelhead works, he witnesses Xiu-Xiu with yakuza leader Eguchi. Overcome with heartbreak, he engages in a reckless night of drinking to drown his sorrows.

Restaurant
5

Legal Citizenship Pursuit

After sobering from his wild night, Steelhead resolves to obtain legal citizenship in Japan. He begins collaborating with fellow countrymen on a money laundering scheme while deliberately excluding Jie.

Japan
6

The Wrath of the Triad

Steelhead's money laundering operation draws the ire of Taiwanese triad leader, Gao. Gao discovers a fix on one of his pachinko machines and seeks vengeance, leading to dire repercussions for Steelhead's associates.

Gaos' territory
7

Jie's Betrayal

In a brutal interrogation, Jie is caught and suffers horrific consequences at the hands of Gao, who disfigures him and amputates his hand. This act ignites a powerful rage within Steelhead.

Gao's lair
8

Infiltrating Gao's Establishment

Angered and determined to rescue Jie, Steelhead plots to infiltrate Gao's establishment. During this mission, he uncovers a conspiracy involving the Togawa group, which threatens both Eguchi and himself.

Gao's establishment
9

Severing Gao's Arm

As the plot unfolds, Steelhead intervenes just as Gao attempts to assassinate Eguchi. In a daring move, he severes Gao's arm with a machete, altering the balance of power within the yakuza.

Gao's establishment
10

Reconnecting with Xiu-Xiu

Following the confrontation, Steelhead finds solace at Eguchi's estate, where he reunites with Xiu-Xiu. During this emotional moment, he learns about their daughter, Ayako, who now goes by Yuko.

Eguchi's estate
11

The Yakuza War Begins

As Steelhead reluctantly agrees to work as a hitman for Eguchi, a violent gang war ensues. This leads to increased tension within the yakuza, ultimately resulting in Eguchi's rise to power.

Yakuza territory
12

Detective Kitano's Warning

In 2006, Steelhead receives a grave warning from Detective Kitano about his friends becoming embroiled in yakuza drug trafficking. This revelation prompts Steelhead to take action for their safety.

2006 Japan
13

The Night of Reckoning

On the fateful night, Steelhead tries to rescue his comrades from yakuza dealings, but they resist, choosing greed instead. A violent confrontation ignites as Eguchi arrives, leading to chaos and betrayal.

Yakuza territory
14

Flash Drive of Consequences

In the aftermath of the chaos, a mortally wounded Eguchi gives Steelhead a flash drive containing incriminating data against the yakuza. This final act highlights the depths of their fallen alliance.

Yakuza territory
15

Desperate Final Stand

As Steelhead races to save his daughter, he confronts Nakajima, leading to a shootout. Ultimately, he suffers grievous wounds but manages to escape the impending law enforcement.

Togawa's territory

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 14:47

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Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their central theme of the immigrant experience within a crime framework. They share a gritty, melancholic mood, high emotional stakes, and a setting that emphasizes the protagonist's alienation and the brutal reality of the underworld they are forced to inhabit.

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Shinjuku Incident Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Shinjuku Incident, 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.

Shinjuku Incident Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Shinjuku Incident

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Shinjuku Incident. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Shinjuku Incident

Shinjuku Incident Spoiler-Free Summary

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More About Shinjuku Incident

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