The Wrath of the Gods (1914)
Released during the silent era’s formative years, The Wrath of the Gods paired Hayakawa with his future wife Tsuru Aoki. The film became one of the earliest Hollywood productions to prominently feature Japanese performers.
The Dragon Painter (1919)
Hayakawa stars as Tatsu, an artist convinced his beloved has been transformed into a dragon. Produced through his own company, the film remains one of his most celebrated works and was later added to the National Film Registry.
The Tong Man (1919)
In The Tong Man, Hayakawa plays Luk Chen in a crime drama centered on San Francisco’s Chinatown. The film survives as one of the few remaining examples of his prolific work during the silent era.
The Honor of His House (1918)
Hayakawa plays Count Ito Onato in this drama about honor, family obligations, and financial ruin. The film exemplifies the serious dramatic roles that helped distinguish him from many of Hollywood’s more stereotypical portrayals of Asian characters.
The Secret Game (1917)
Set against international intrigue during World War I, The Secret Game casts Hayakawa as Nara-Nara. The film reflects his growing popularity as studios increasingly built major productions around his star power.
Daughter of the Dragon (1931)
Hayakawa appeared alongside Anna May Wong in Daughter of the Dragon, one of his earliest sound films. The movie marked his return to Hollywood and paired two of the most important Asian stars of the era.
