Roadshow 25th May, 2024
around the world
Worldwide simultaneous release and same-day streaming
The latest film directed by Ryutaro Ninomiya, which was officially selected for the Cannes Film Festival alongside directors Takeshi Kitano and Hirokazu Koreeda.
Ryutaro Ninomiya, His previous film “Dreaming in Between” was selected by the 76th Cannes International Film Festival in 2023 alongside “KUBI” directed by Takeshi Kitano, and “Monster” directed by Hiroyasu Koreeda.
At the Cannes Film Festival, a full-house audience applauded enthusiastically. The latest film directed and scripted by the highly anticipated Ryutaro Ninomiya, titled "Wakamusha," is eagerly awaited worldwide.
Shedding light on the human being’s way of life with the original point of view
Director Ryutaro Ninomiya consistently depicts universal daily life with vivid realism.
This film leverages its realism as a weapon, portraying new territories through a unique language exchange and unpredictable developments. In this film, director Ninomiya depicts three childhood friends. Wataru, while expressionless, harbors deep hatred towards his stepfather. Eiji, working at a pub, tends to find pleasure in others’ negative emotions. Mitsunori, earnestly working as a caregiver, gazes at his surroundings with dull eyes.
They frequently use the phrase “humans of this world” in their conversations, as if they were being from another realm. However, in reality, they deeply contemplate their inclusion and influence within “this world”, fearing their impact while being impacted themselves.
Story
Wataru (Ryota Bando), a quiet worker at a factory, Eiji (Rion Takahashi), a hot-blooded employee at a restaurant, and Mitsunori (Naoya Shimizu), seemingly gentle a caregiver, are childhood friends.
“Unhappiness becomes drama, you know.”
One late afternoon in late autumn, the three of them walk towards a graveyard overlooked by a headless Jizo statue.
There lies the fourth childhood friend who passed away in an accident several years ago.
“Hatred, fear, anger, sadness. If we could turn all of those dramas into ‘enjoyment’ and live, don’t you think that would be the best life?”
“It’s a revolution. Let’s start a revolution.”
And so, they go on a rampage under the guise of “social reform” confronting minor infractions and discrimination in the town recklessly.
Gradually, their “social reform” transforms into “violence.”
This is the story of young people resisting the future while questioning life amidst their nowhere to turn to in daily lives.
Review
Extraordinary filmmaker, Ryutaro Ninomiya,
has planted a hardcore bomb in the mundane everyday life
Naoto Mori
Film critic
An incredible film resides here. Although called "Wakamusha,” it's not a Samurai period drama.
If anything, it brings to mind the unruly trio of "The Three Amigos," depicting the youth in a way that's not dissimilar, but “Wakamusha” is not just laid back, they exude a sense of incomprehensible intensity in their own ways.
There's the taciturn Wataru (Ryota Bando) working in a factory. There's the combative long-haired Eiji (Rin Takahashi).
And then there's Mitsunori (Naoya Shimizu), whose nihilism and gentleness intertwine in an indigestible way. Originally, they were a group of four childhood friends, but one of them now rests in a grave.
Armed with swords in their hearts, these modern-day ronin have been deprived of the opportunity to cut down people.
Or perhaps they're just a bunch of “dumbass” guys, maybe even a gathering of scum found lying around. But Even a worm will turn.
Directed and scripted by Ryutaro Ninomiya (born in 1986), he's not only acclaimed as an extremely versatile supporting actor but also as a filmmaker who continuously releases his own unique masterpieces, depicting lavish praise from renowned directors like Takahisa Zeze, Rikiya Imaizumi, and Sho Miyake, making him an exceptional filmmaker among exceptional talents.
Ninomiya's previous gem, “Dreaming in Between,” was selected for the 76th Cannes Film Festival's ACID section.
It was noted for its thematic resemblance to Tolstoy's novel "The Death of Ivan Ilyich" (the prototype of Akira Kurosawa's "Living”), and for its directorial similarities to Yasujiro Ozu's view of impermanence. Reflecting on how his exceptional talent had matured, one couldn't help but feel sentimental. However, "Wakamusha” surprises like a sudden, thick essence oozing from the screen. It evokes Ninomiya's hardcore style reminiscent of his early independent films like “The Charm of Others” and "Socialite."
Yet, it's not simply a return to the roots. The unstable framing by cinematographer Hiroshi Iwanaga, where the characters never quite occupy the center of the space, and the eerie compositions where people are always in the corners of the screen, bring forth the concrete manifestations of darkness and thoughts, unsettlingly creeping. Watching Eiji and Mitsunori, who function reasonably well as good members in places like the izakaya restaurant and the nursing home, I couldn't help but think: What if the aggressive and dark words spat out on social media had a tangible personality? Would they move like them?
Perhaps Ninomiya's singularity and excellence lie in his fastidiousness to depict only the "truth."
He strips away deceit and pretty lies, leaving behind only the solid crystallization of the "truth" he weaves.
This intention is particularly prominent in "Wakamusha”
Ryota Bando, who seems to have inherited the baton of the protagonist, Ryutaro, played by Ninomiya himself in “Sweating Small Stuff” is truly a comrade-in-arms with the director. This film, which speaks beyond the camera, harbors the potential to awaken the dangerous truth lurking in our depths, like a bomb embedded somewhere in our lethargic daily lives.
The Revolutionary Nature of
Guilt-Ridden True Feelings
Yoshihiko Yatabe
The former Program director of Tokyo International Film Festival
It has been a long time since expressions were expected to adhere to political correctness, and those who express themselves were also expected to be people of integrity. If this leads to improved human rights for minorities and better working conditions in production environments, there would be no complaints, but where do the true feelings of the creators lie?
In contemporary cinema, it is almost impossible for a director's guilty conscience to be depicted. Setting aside commercial films where the director's true feelings cannot be reflected, even in independent films where the expression of the author's individuality is permitted, it is difficult to express opinions that might be received negatively. Independent films have begun to function as a platform where minority figures can become directors and discuss their views on gender and sexuality, which is undoubtedly a welcome development. On the other hand, for straight male directors who belong to the majority, the current film environment is too dangerous a place to express their true feelings. It is in this space that director Ryutaro Ninomiya has ventured.
In “Wakamusha” three young men spend their time aimlessly. Though there are differences, such as one being terribly silent and another being excessively talkative, each harbors a sense of nihilism towards society and life. All three hold down jobs, albeit almost like part-time ones, and are not social dropouts. In other words, they are not speaking from the very bottom of society but rather venting their daily stresses and hurting others in the process. The words they speak and the scenes they see can be seen as reflections of director Ninomiya’s views, and he is likely aware of this. They mock those around them whom they dislike and disparage a virtuous world. The episode where they pretend to be homosexual to pick up women is dangerous and could spark controversy, but it also seems to critically express the director's frustration with being overly concerned about doing the right thing. This film is groundbreaking in that it directly expresses the director's frustrations with modern society.
However, it is important to emphasize that director Ninomiya did not create this film lightly. Watching the film, it becomes clear that he made it with his life on the line. Through unique angles and compositions where characters are pushed to the corners of the screen, highlighting his own angles on the fringes of society, he seems to be willing to take responsibility for his statements even at the cost of his life, as if he is literally "offering his head." The title, which suggests that he is not a person of integrity but a young samurai, conveys a sense of determination and tragic resolve that could lead to a self-destructive outcome.
I had the pleasure to follow NINOMIYA Ryutaro career.
With his bold depiction of the youth, Wakamusha confirms Ninomiya's talent and his will to follow his own voice, which sounds a unique call in the contemporary Japanese cinema.
Carlo Chatrian
The former Artistic director of the Berlin International Film Festival
I have been following the works of actor Rion Takahashi for several years now. I have been consistently amazed by his ability to bring a unique touch to every role he plays. Whether it's a minor role or a significant one, like in Ryutaro Ninomiya's “Wakamusha” his performances are always outstanding.
Among the young actors in the contemporary Japanese film industry, few can portray the expressions of complex and mysterious characters as effectively as they can. Rion Takahashi embodies the emotions and needs of his generation through his performances. He does this with his gaze, subtle gestures, the nuances in his dialogue delivery, silence, and expressions of anger.
The Japanese film industry should embrace the talent of this actor now more than ever.
Amir Naderi
Film Director
Cast
Director
The young people in this film may initially appear to engage
in childish conversations.
However, they earnestly contemplate how to revolutionize
their own lives, as well as the lives of others and the whole world.
We have created a unique film with a wonderful cast and staff.
We would be delighted if you could watch the film.
Written & Directed by
Ryutaro Ninomiya
Profile
Born on August 18, 1986, in Kanagawa Prefecture.
In 2012, his first feature film "The Charm of Others" won an award at the 34th Pia Film Festival. His second feature film, "Sweating the Small Stuff," in which he also starred, was the only Japanese film selected for the feature film category at the 70th Locarno International Film Festival. His other works as a director include “Minori, on the Brink” which was released in 2019. And his fourth feature film, "Dreaming In Between" was officially selected by The 76th Cannes Film Festival as ACID Cannes 2023. Not only as a film director, Ninomiya has been also active as an actor and starred in “Mountain Woman” (directed by Takeshi Fukunaga, 2023), “LOVE LIFE” (directed by Koji Fukada, 2022), “A Family” (directed by Michihito Fujii, 2021), those his appearance left strong impressions.
Staff
Executive Producer:
Tenshin Tsutsumi, Tomohiko Seki
Producer: Tokushi Suzuki
Director of Photography: Hiroshi Iwanaga
Sound Design: Izumi Matsumo
Production Designer: Naoka Fukushima
Costume Designer: Yoshie Ogasawara
Hair & Make-up Artist: Kayo Kawamoto
Editor: Banri Nagase
Music: Imai
Chief Assistant Director: Wataru Hiranami
Production Managers: Soya Okawa Kei Iguchi
Promotion: Tomoko Kato
Graphic design: Yurie Hata
Still Photographer: Sho Ito
Making Director: Shigeru Yoshida
English Subtitles: Don Brown
Trailer: Aya Kawazoe
Associate Planner Mizue Kunizane
Investment Company:
cogitoworks Ltd. U-NEXT
Local Streaming Service: U-NEXT
Production & Distribution: cogitoworks Ltd.
Presented by: New Counter Films
Theater
Trailer
