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There is already a lot of buzz being generated over the much-anticipated movie version of the classic novel by Osamu Dazai, "Ningen Shikkaku" (No Longer Human). To mark the start of filming, actors Toma Ikuta, Yusuke Iseya, Eiko Koike, Shigeru Muroi, Go Morita, Shinobu Terashima, Michiyo Okusu, Yoshiko Mita, director Genjiro Arato, and Tsuguhiko Kadokawa, chairman and CEO of the film company Kadokawa Pictures Inc, attended a big media event.
The novel is regarded by many as reflective of the thoughts and emotions of Dazai himself during his final years (he committed suicide shortly after the book was released in 1948). The story follows the life of Yozo Oba, a boy born into a wealthy household who grapples with the meaning of life and an excessive self-consciousness as he spirals downward into self-destruction.
Portraying the complex protagonist is Ikuta, 24, a Johnny's Jimusho talent, who is kicking off his career as a movie actor with this leading role. He acknowledged his lack of experience and said he hopes to learn from his fellow thespians and go with the flow of the story to approach his character’s insanity as naturally as possible. “I’ve only read the book twice even though I was ready to read it about a hundred times, because the director stopped me,” Ikuta said. “He wanted me to come to the set with a fresh outlook [on the story].”
The movie is set for release in the early spring of 2010.
© Japan Today
7 Comments
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Crimsonsil
Never heard of it until now, but after looking it up it sounds interesting.
timeon
why should the agency he belongs to be in the title?
seeker1
I'm sure Osamu Daizo is currently rolling over in his grave. Come to think of it, since he was probably cremated, I'm not sure he could do that... At any rate, why, oh why was this lad chosen? Not only is it his first movie, but he is from Johnny's for peep's sake. Oh wait, I see the problem. It's a Kadokawa production. Do yourself a favor and read the book.
NeoJamal
So it's Taiyō no Kisetsu..with EMO?
sk4ek
They should've given this role to Kenichi Matsuyama, though he might be a bit too old for it now. He does brooding and moody better than any young actor out there these days.
mnemosyne23
Good for Toma! His turn in "Maou" as Serizawa, particularly his final heartbreaking scene with fellow Johnny Ohno Satoshi, was excellent. I think he definitely has the acting chops to take on this role and only get better as an actor as a result.
TomaPi23
**Hi, I just want to say I am very proud of Toma & how well he's been doing in his career despite not "debuting" yet !! I love everything about him !!!!! I love how beautiful he is, I love his singing, & his acting !!!!!!! And I for one cannot wait to watch this movie !!!!!!!!!