The long-awaited Japanese film "Uzumasa's Footlights" (Uzumasa Limelight) waited for re-release in the United States, having successfully traveled to various world film festivals since 2014. Prior to this, the film had a limited release in Japan, after which DVDs with English subtitles were even released.
By genre "Uzumasa's Footlights" is a drama that follows veteran actor Seichi, who has played the role of "kirareyaku" - an extra in historical dramas, action films or gangster films who usually dies from a blow from a sword. In his declining years, Seichi began to have problems with his joints and now the actor cannot hold a sword in his hands. However, friendship with an aspiring actress restores Seichi's faith in himself, and he begins to train her.
What is unique about this drama, which actively used the philosophy of kendo and this martial art itself? First of all, this story is based on the real life of a kirareyaku actor. Seizo Fukumoto, who played the main role in the film. For Fukumoto, Footlights was his swan song and the first leading role in his more than 50-year career.
Uzumasa is an area located in the historical zone of Kyoto Prefecture. This area is often called Japanese Hollywood. After all, it is here that there is a famous cultural center that has produced numerous historical dramas (jidaigeki) since the 30s of the last century. In many of them, Seizo Fukumoto, the most famous “kirareyaku” of Japanese cinema, also played episodic roles. The movie is also interesting because of the “inner kitchen” of the Japanese film production line for the production of historical films about samurai.
"Uzumasa's Footlights" was warmly received at many film festivals, collecting several major awards, including the prize for best actor at the International Film Festival "Fantasy" in Montreal, where the film also took the main prize for best film.
In addition to Seizo Fukumoto, the film stars: Masashi Goda ("Ninja"), Hirotaro Honda ("Kikaidera Reboot") Hisako Manda (“Ryuzo and the Seven Fighters”), young debutante Chihiro Yamamoto and others. Directed the film Ken Ochiai (“Tiger Mask”, “Ninja Monster").
The US dub can be pre-ordered on iTunes, and the DVD and Blu-ray can also be ordered from Amazon. Let's hope that the film will appear in our country soon. For now, let's settle for the trailer.
Well, in general, a blurb with English subs has been lying around on the Internet for about a month now.
wesker,
Where exactly is it lying around? I'd like to see it.
On asiandvdclub(dot)org/
wesker,
Hm. Apparently, registration there is only by invite?
Reminds me of "Winter Evening in Gagra", which is touching and pleasant
Similar in style to Yohji Yamada. For me - worth watching))!