Tattoo

Tattoo

Year: 1982

Runtime: 107 mins

Language: Japanese

Director: Banmei Takahashi

DramaRomanceCrime

An ardent culture-vulture youth, previously charged for the murder of a woman when he was young, plans to hold hostage a local bank.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Tattoo (1982)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Tattoo (1982). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

New York City, Central Park, Metropolitan Museum of Art

The film unfolds across a modern New York City backdrop, with scenes in Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The city serves as a charged stage where art, commerce, and desire collide, amplifying power dynamics. Its streets and venues mirror the escalating tension between the tattoo artist and his muse, blending beauty with danger.

🗽 New York City 🖼️ Museum district 🏙️ Urban landscape

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:47

Main Characters – Tattoo (1982)

Meet the key characters of Tattoo (1982), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Maddy

A model who becomes the focus of Kinsky's fixation. She vacillates between attraction and fear, ultimately fighting back as her autonomy is crushed by escalating violence. Her resilience shows a survivor's resolve as she confronts the danger around her.

💃 Model 😨 Fearful 🔪 Survivor

Karl Kinsky

A talented yet possessive tattoo artist who treats bodies as canvases for his need to belong. His obsession with the 'mark' drives coercion and brutality, culminating in a deadly confrontation with Maddy.

🎨 Artist 🗝️ Possessive 🔪 Violent

Halsey

A renowned photographer who collaborates with Kinsky to create tattooed imagery for models. He embodies the art-world spotlight that can corrupt and exploit those seeking success.

📷 Photographer 🖼️ Fame 💼 Industry

Buddy

Maddy's jazz musician boyfriend, whose flirtatious behavior and late hours contribute to the toxic dynamic surrounding Maddy. His volatility highlights relationship instability in her world.

🎷 Musician 💔 Turbulence

Albert

Maddy's ex-boyfriend who becomes a target of Kinsky's threats. His presence underscores how flirtation and hostility blur into danger in this milieu.

🧑‍🎤 Ex-partner ⚖️ Threat

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:47

Major Themes – Tattoo (1982)

Explore the central themes of Tattoo (1982), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔒 Power & Control

A controlling bond forms as the tattoo artist imposes ownership through the 'mark'. The model becomes a captive of his obsession, her autonomy eroded by fear and coercion. The narrative traces how influence, manipulation, and violence fuse into possession.

🖊️ Body Art

Tattoos function as a literal and symbolic conquest, turning the body into a canvas of belonging and threat. The mark redefines consent and exposes the line between artistry and exploitation. The process reveals the tension between self-expression and domination.

🌆 Urban Isolation

In a bustling metropolis, Maddy's isolation grows as she navigates a volatile relationship. The city amplifies tension and provides venues where power dynamics play out. The ending juxtaposes personal agency against a cold urban backdrop.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:47

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Unlock the Full Story of Tattoo

Don't stop at just watching — explore Tattoo in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Tattoo is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Tattoo Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Tattoo, 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.

Tattoo Summary

Tattoo Timeline

Track the full timeline of Tattoo with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Tattoo Timeline

More About Tattoo

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More About Tattoo

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