---
title: "The Bodyguard"
year: 1973
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-bodyguard-1973"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 54860
imdb_id: "tt0164699"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 88
community_rating: 5.1
vote_count: 25
content_rating: "R"
---

# The Bodyguard (1973) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-bodyguard-1973

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Topic: Film "The Bodyguard" (1973).
Role: Meticulous television and film archivist.
Constraints:
Use ONLY verifiable facts from provided SYNOPSIS and SOURCES.
No inventions/guesses (titles, names, dates, etc.).
Original, neutral, encyclopedic prose.
Plain text only (no markdown, asterisks, headings, bullet points).
Word count: 150-190 words.
First sentence must not contain spoilers.
Do not include info from the 1992 film (Sources 5 and 6).
Title: The Bodyguard (1973) / Bodyguard Kiba (Japanese: ボディガード牙, Hepburn: Bodigaado Kiba).
Year: 1973.
Genre: Action, Thriller, Martial arts.
Starring: Sonny Chiba.
Director: Ryuichi Takamori.
Based on: Action manga by Ikki Kajiwara.
Cast: Sonny Chiba, Mari Atsumi, Rin'ichi Yamamoto, Eiji Go, Hideo Morita, Yayoi Watanabe.
Production Country: Japan.
Duration: 1h 28m (88 minutes).
US Release: Recut version released in 1976 by Terry Levine's Aquarius Releasing as The Bodyguard.
Plot: Chiba is a karate master and anti-drug vigilante. He returns to Japan and holds a press conference to announce his intention to wipe

## The Hook & The Verdict

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Amazon Prime Video, FlixFling, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Shout! Factory Amazon Channel | Fawesome, Filmtap | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | None | Filmtap | None |
| **Canada (CA)** | Amazon Prime Video, FlixFling, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Filmtap | Apple TV Store, FlixFling, YouTube |
| **Australia (AU)** | None | Filmtap | None |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Ryuichi Takamori
- **Networks / Studios**: Nippon-American Productions, Toei Company

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Sonny Chiba** as *Naoto Kiba*
- **Mari Atsumi** as *Reiko Miwa*
- **Rinichi Yamamoto** as *Takeshi Kumazawa*
- **Eiji Gō** as *Toru Kumazawa*
- **Hideo Murota** as *Black April Hijacker*
- **Yayoi Watanabe** as *Maki*
- **Hatsue Tonooka** as *Stripper*
- **Rikiya Yasuoka** as *Dubhe*
- **Takashi Hio** as *Alkaid Hoshino*
- **Kinji Takinami** as *Shigeru Kumazawa*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream or watch The Bodyguard online?
The Bodyguard is currently available to watch or stream on Amazon Prime Video, FlixFling, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Shout! Factory Amazon Channel. Check our live regional availability tracker above for latest direct streaming, subscription, rent, or purchase options.

### Q: Is The Bodyguard worth watching?
The Bodyguard holds a community rating of 5.1/10 based on 25 verified viewer ratings. It offers engaging Action, Thriller for fans of the genre.

### Q: How long is the movie The Bodyguard and when was it released?
The Bodyguard is a feature film with a runtime of 88 minutes. It was released in 1973. Release status: Released.

### Q: Who directed The Bodyguard?
The Bodyguard was directed by Ryuichi Takamori.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [The Bodyguard — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/54860)
- [Bodyguard Kiba (1973 film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodyguard_Kiba_(1973_film))
- [The Bodyguard (1973) - Cast & Crew — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/54860/cast)
- [The Bodyguard - Bodigâdo Kiba (1973) – Film & Serie – OutNow](https://outnow.ch/it/Movies/1973/BodigadoKiba/)
- [The Bodyguard (1992)](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/)
- [Bodyguard (1992) – Wikipedia](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodyguard_%281992%29)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*