According to Eiga, the film will have its global premiere in the Open Cinema section of the 30th Busan International Film Festival on 18/9. The movie is based on Makoto Shinkai's acclaimed 2007 anime. It portrays the bittersweet, long-distance relationship between Takaki Tono and Akari Shinohara from the 1990s to the present day, their connection sustained primarily through letters and phone calls.
The film, divided into three segments: Cherry Blossom, Cosmonaut, and 5 Centimeters Per Second, delves into themes of loneliness, regret, and the yearning for connection. The title, referencing the speed at which cherry blossoms fall, serves as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of love and youth.
At a press conference on 27/8 marking the project's completion, director Yoshiyuki Okuyama acknowledged the pressure of adapting such a beloved work. He emphasized his focus on enabling the actors to authentically embody their characters. "The film reflects the innocence of childhood, the beauty of youth, and the bewilderment of entering adulthood. I'm both nervous and excited to see how the audience receives it," he said.
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Hokuto Matsumura (top) and Mitsuki Takahata in "5 Centimeters Per Second," slated for release in Japan on 10/10, followed by planned releases in Vietnam, South Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia. Photo: CoMix Wave Inc. |
Hokuto Matsumura, who plays Takaki Tono, initially hesitated to take on the role, but director Okuyama's confidence in him proved instrumental. A fan of the anime, Matsumura had watched it numerous times. While reading the script, he connected with the character's experience of an unforgettable first love.
The original anime garnered numerous awards, including Best Animated Feature Film at the 2007 Asia Pacific Screen Awards, and resonated across Asia, particularly in South Korea, China, and Vietnam. Following the anime's success, Makoto Shinkai authored a novel of the same name, translated into several languages, which also gained popularity. A manga adaptation, illustrated by Seike Yukiko, was serialized in Afternoon magazine from 7/2010 to 6/2011.
Matsumura, 30, is a member of SixTones, one of Japan's leading idol groups. Beyond music, he has pursued acting, appearing in films and television series such as Liar x Liar (2021) and All the Long Nights (2024). In 2023, he won the Newcomer of the Year Award at the 46th Japan Academy Film Prize for his role in xxxHolic.
Takahata, 34, is a renowned Japanese actress and singer. She has made her mark in productions like Daddy Sister (2016) and Our Dearest Sakura (2019), earning acclaim for her natural and emotive performances. In addition to acting, Takahata maintains a singing career, releasing several singles and albums. In 11/2024, she announced her marriage to actor Okada Masaki and revealed her pregnancy in July.
Que Chi (according to Eiga)
