The Challenge
“He has trained every thought, every muscle, every nerve, for the moment of truth!”
Synopsis
Rick, a down-and-out American boxer, is hired to transport a sword to Japan, unaware that the whole thing is a set up in a bitter blood-feud between two brothers, one who follows the traditional path of the samurai and the other a businessman. At the behest of the businessman, Rick undertakes samurai training from the other brother, but joins his cause. He also becomes romantically involved with the samurai's daughter.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
The Challenge ≣ 1982 ≣ Trailer
Type: Trailer • Published 2019-08-14
Top Cast
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Scott Glenn
Rick
Toshirō Mifune
Toru Yoshida
Donna Kei Benz
Akiko Yoshida
Atsuo Nakamura
Hideo Yoshida
Calvin Jung
Ando
Clyde Kusatsu
Go
Sab Shimono
Toshio Yoshida
Kiyoaki Nagai
Kubo
Kenta Fukasaku
Jiro
Shōgo Shimada
Toru Yoshida's Father
Yoshio Inaba
Instructor
Seiji Miyaguchi
Old Man
Miiko Taka
Toru Yoshida's Wife
Akio Kameda
Boxer
Hisashi Osaka
Knifeman
Pamela Bowman
Girl in Gym
Pat McNamara
Fight Promoter
Roy Andrews
Hanger-on
Release History & Theatrical Window
July 23, 1982
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
Undisclosed
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$3.6M
Total global ticket sales
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- John Frankenheimer
- Screenplay & Story
- Richard Maxwell, John Sayles, Ivan Moffat
- Original Score
- Jerry Goldsmith
- Original Title
- The Challenge
- Country of Origin
- Japan, United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- Japanese, English
- Runtime
- 1h 49m
- Worldwide Gross
- $3.6M
- Production Studios
- Poncher-Rosen-Beckman Productions, CBS Theatrical Films, Polyphony Digital
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
John Frankenheimer
Richard Maxwell, John Sayles, Ivan Moffat
Jerry Goldsmith
Kōzō Okazaki
John W. Wheeler
Ron Beckman, Robert L. Rosen
Department Leadership Roster
John Frankenheimer
Director
Richard Maxwell
Writer
John Sayles
Writer
Ivan Moffat
Writer
Ron Beckman
Producer
Robert L. Rosen
Producer
Jerry Goldsmith
Original Music Composer
Yoshiyuki Ishida
Production Design
Kōzō Okazaki
Director of Photography
John W. Wheeler
Editor
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Challenge.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Challenge.
Martial Arts
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Challenge
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Challenge about?
Rick, a down-and-out American boxer, is hired to transport a sword to Japan, unaware that the whole thing is a set up in a bitter blood-feud between two brothers, one who follows the traditional path of the samurai and the other a businessman. At the behest of the businessman, Rick undertakes samurai training from the other brother, but joins his cause. He also becomes romantically involved with the samurai's daughter.
Who directed The Challenge?
The Challenge was directed by John Frankenheimer.
Who stars in The Challenge?
The principal cast of The Challenge includes Scott Glenn, Toshirō Mifune, Donna Kei Benz, Atsuo Nakamura, Calvin Jung.
When was The Challenge released and how long is it?
The Challenge was released in 1982 with a total runtime of 1h 49m.
How much did The Challenge make at the box office?
The Challenge grossed $3.6M in worldwide ticket sales.
Who composed the musical score for The Challenge?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Challenge was composed by Jerry Goldsmith.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Challenge?
The Challenge holds official age classifications: DE: 16 (FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).