Delving into the wealthy historical past of the samurai period, the upcoming Netflix sequence Final Samurai Standing presents an intriguing story of survival and honor.
Based mostly on the novel “Ikusagami” by Shogo Imamura, winner of the 166th Naoki Prize in 2021, the sequence options the multi-talented Junichi Okada within the lead function. He’s additionally serving as producer and motion choreographer, with Michito Fujii (The Journalist) within the director’s chair.
Set within the late nineteenth century through the Meiji interval, Final Samurai Standing takes place on the Tenryuji Temple in Kyoto. Come dusk, 292 expert warriors collect, lured by the promise of a grand prize of 100 billion yen. Amongst them is our protagonist, Shujiro Saga (Junichi Okada), who enters this harmful recreation with one aim: to save lots of his ailing spouse and youngster.
Okada, taking up a number of roles on this challenge, shares his enthusiasm for the present. “When Netflix government producer Mr. Takahashi reached out to me, I used to be nonetheless performing in historic dramas. Again then, I used to be already pondering of how to make this style successful, not simply in Japan, however everywhere in the world. I noticed their potential for motion, drama, social commentary, and leisure, however I knew they could possibly be taken additional. That’s after I got here throughout Imamura’s manga. It was written in a means that fashionable audiences may get pleasure from, and I used to be excited concerning the thought of adapting it” he shares. “I used to be additionally adamant about having Michihito Fujii because the director — if he hadn’t agreed, I used to be able to step again from the challenge.”
Imamura echoes the joy for the difference. “I wrote ‘Ikusagami’ with the intention of creating a historic novel that could possibly be loved worldwide. When Netflix approached me, I used to be overjoyed. And having Junichi Okada within the lead function was a dream come true, as I had envisioned him as Shujiro whereas writing,” he reveals.
The variation course of was not with out its personal set of challenges, significantly in transitioning the novel right into a multi-episode drama sequence, which was likened to producing three movies. Fujii and Okada labored meticulously on the script, making certain it stayed true to the essence of the unique work whereas additionally including cinematic components. With practically 300 actors, every requiring their very own costume, manufacturing demanded unwavering dedication from the whole workforce.
Regardless of the scope of the challenge, the workforce stays undeterred. “We’re creating a singular world with an ensemble forged. We really feel a duty to ship one thing unprecedented. I’m glad for this chance to take a tremendous story, forged and visuals, and create a piece for Japan and the world to see,” Fujii shares.
Final Samurai Standing displays the timeless attract of samurai tales and the enduring spirit of those that lived via these instances. Put together to witness a battle royale like no different, solely on Netflix.
*Press Launch
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