15 Best Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa Movies, Ranked

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa is a highly accomplished actor known for his powerful performances and ability to play both villains and relatable characters. He first became famous in the late 1990s for his intense roles in action movies, but he’s also shown his range in more dramatic and historical films. He’s appeared in many different types of movies, from big action blockbusters to animated films and touching family stories. Here’s a look at some of his most notable films, chosen for their quality and how well they were received by critics.

‘Mortal Kombat’ (1995)

Shang Tsung hosts a martial arts tournament with huge stakes – the future of Earth. As a powerful sorcerer working for the Outworld emperor, he controls the fighters and pits them against each other. Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa is particularly memorable as Shang Tsung, the villain who can steal souls and threatens Earth’s heroes. This movie, based on the popular video game, features lots of intense fighting and supernatural powers.

‘Showdown in Little Tokyo’ (1991)

A new action movie follows two very different police officers as they work together to take down a major Yakuza crime family in Los Angeles. Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa stars as Funekei Yoshida, a cold-blooded boss trying to grow his drug operation. Expect plenty of fast-paced fighting and shooting as the story builds to a dramatic showdown during a Japanese parade.

‘Vampires’ (1998)

A Vatican-funded team of vampire hunters races to stop a powerful vampire from acquiring an ancient artifact. Ken Tagawa plays David Deyo, a member of the council overseeing the hunters. The team’s mission is to prevent the vampires from completing a ritual that would let them roam freely in daylight. The movie blends the style of westerns with classic supernatural horror.

’47 Ronin’ (2013)

A group of samurai, now without a leader, are determined to avenge their master’s death, caused by a deceitful government official. Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa plays Shogun Tsunayoshi, a ruler who rigidly upholds the samurai’s strict code of conduct. These outcast warriors journey through a dangerous world of mythical creatures and magic as they fight to reclaim their family’s reputation. The film combines realistic historical Japan with fantastical elements, creating a unique visual experience.

‘Rising Sun’ (1993)

A murder at a corporate gala in Los Angeles leads two detectives to investigate. Their prime suspect is Eddie Sakamura, played by Tagawa, who knew the victim. As they dig deeper, they uncover a web of corporate spying and cultural clashes, making the case increasingly complex. The film is a thriller that explores the economic rivalry between the U.S. and Japan in the early 1990s.

‘Johnny Tsunami’ (1999)

This movie tells the story of a Hawaiian surfer who has a hard time adjusting when his family relocates to a ski town in Vermont. His grandfather, Johnny Tsunami – a famous surfer himself – helps him through the change. The film follows the boy as he learns to snowboard and deals with the competition between skiers and snowboarders. It’s a story about growing up, family traditions, and learning to accept new experiences.

‘License to Kill’ (1989)

When a drug lord severely injures James Bond’s friend, Felix Leiter, Bond goes off the books to get revenge. The story features Ken Wah Tagawa as Kwang, an undercover Hong Kong narcotics officer working to take down the criminal organization from within. Bond’s pursuit takes him through Mexico and the made-up country of Isthmus. This Bond film is known for being particularly gritty and focusing on believable spy techniques.

‘Picture Bride’ (1994)

In 1918, a young woman from Japan journeys to Hawaii for an arranged marriage to a man she’s never met, a worker on a sugarcane plantation. Ken Tagawa portrays Kanzaki, a harsh supervisor at the plantation where these immigrant women and workers toil. The film portrays the difficult conditions they faced, as well as the challenges of adjusting to a new culture. It also shows how they came together to build a community despite facing hardship and poverty.

‘Snow Falling on Cedars’ (1999)

After World War II in Washington state, a Japanese-American man is on trial for murder. The story centers on Zenhichi Miyamoto, the accused man’s father, who embodies the quiet strength of his generation. As a local journalist covers the trial, he’s reminded of a past love affair with the defendant’s wife. The drama delves into the lasting effects of racial bias and the trauma of Japanese internment camps.

‘American Me’ (1992)

The film follows a leader of the Mexican Mafia as he tries to control his criminal operations from inside Folsom State Prison, all while facing dangers from the outside world. Actor Tagawa portrays El Japo, a powerful member of the prison gang. The story unfolds over three decades, illustrating how violence and imprisonment repeat across generations in East Los Angeles. It’s a raw and realistic depiction of life in prison and the world of organized crime.

‘Little Boy’ (2015)

This heartwarming story follows a seven-year-old boy who believes he can bring his father home from World War II simply by wishing hard enough. Meanwhile, the boy encounters a Japanese man named Hashimoto, who is facing prejudice in town because of the war. Despite initially being biased himself, the boy develops a surprising friendship with Hashimoto. The film beautifully explores themes of acceptance and the difficult impact war has on families.

‘Memoirs of a Geisha’ (2005)

I was completely captivated by this film! It tells the story of a young girl, taken from her simple life in a fishing village and sold into the world of geishas in Kyoto. You really see her transformation as she masters these incredibly complex and beautiful arts. There’s a fascinating character, The Baron, played by Tagawa, who becomes an important figure in her life. What I loved most was how the film transported me to pre-war Japan, showing you exactly what life was like in the geisha districts and how rigidly structured society was. It’s a decades-spanning story of a woman dealing with fierce competition and a heartbreaking, unreturned love. It’s truly unforgettable.

‘The Last Emperor’ (1987)

This movie tells the life story of Pu Yi, from when he became emperor as a child, through his years as a prisoner, and finally to his return to public life. Ken Tagawa portrays Chang, a guard and interrogator who served the emperor later in his life. The film dramatically portrays the end of the Qing Dynasty and the beginning of modern China. It’s famous for its beautiful costumes and for being filmed on location inside the Forbidden City.

‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ (2016)

A boy gifted with magical musical powers goes on a journey to find a legendary suit of armor. Actor Tagawa voices the Moon King, who is both the boy’s grandfather and the main villain. This stop-motion animated film beautifully blends Japanese folklore and the art of origami into its visuals. The story touches on themes of loss and how our memories help define who we are.

‘Hachi: A Dog’s Tale’ (2009)

A college professor unexpectedly finds and adopts an Akita puppy at a train station, creating a deep and lasting friendship. The story is told through the eyes of Ken, a friend of the professor who appreciates the Akita breed’s history. The heartwarming drama centers on the dog’s unwavering devotion, as he faithfully waits for his owner at the station for a decade following a heartbreaking event. It’s a moving portrayal of loyalty and the powerful bond between people and their canine companions.

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2025-12-06 00:16