Winner of the runner-up prize at TSUTAYA CREATORS' PROGRAM FILM 2017. The film "This Child is Evil" starring Minami Sara is scheduled for release in 2022!
2022.01.17
Press Releases
Culture Entertainment Co., Ltd. / Culture Convenience Club Co., Ltd.
-A star-studded cast including Naniwa Danshi's Ryusei Onishi, Yuki Sakurai, and Hiroshi Tamaki
The TSUTAYA CREATORS' PROGRAM (TCP), a program sponsored by Culture Entertainment Co., Ltd. (CE) and Culture Convenience Club Co., Ltd. Tsutaya Bookstore Company (TSUTAYA), has produced many high-quality works, including films such as The Woman Who Loves Lies, Cinderella, and Sensei, Would You Like to Sit Next to Me?. The project "The Dollhouse Family," winner of the 2017 Green Funding Award as the runner-up, will be released in theaters in 2022 under the title "This Child is Evil," starring Minami Sara as the protagonist.
"This Child is Evil" official website:https://happinet-phantom.com/konokohajyaaku/
Official Twitter: @konokohajyaaku #This child is evil
The original idea for "This Child is Evil" was "The Dollhouse Family," which won the runner-up Green Funding Award at the 3rd TCP held in 2017 out of a total of 268 entries. This is Kataoka Sho's third feature film, and he has previously worked as a screenwriter on films such as "Machida-kun's World," "Noise," and the drama "Nemesis."He also published the novel "Goodbye, Monsieur" in 2017 and has written three novels.
The main character of this film, Kubohana, will be played by Minami Sara, who won numerous awards for new talent, including the Blue Ribbon Award, for her first leading role in Shino Can't Say Her Name, and is currently appearing in the historical drama The 13 Lords of the Kamakura. She is a talented young actress who attracted particular attention in last year's popular drama "Dragon Zakura Season 2," and this is her first leading role in a film since then.
Hana, the main character of this work, feels guilty about the fact that she was the only one unharmed in a traffic accident with her family, and she has shut herself off from school. In stark contrast to the bright and innocent character Minami played in "Dragon Zakura," he takes on the serious role of a man with a dark past.
Co-starring with him will be Onishi Ryusei (Naniwa Danshi), who made his CD debut last year and has expanded his field as an actor, currently appearing in the drama "Rakufudo Yotsuiro Biyori."This will be Onishi's first solo film appearance. Also appearing will be Yuki Sakurai, who has appeared in films such as "The Confidence Man JP: Romance Edition" and is currently in the spotlight for her eccentric performance in the drama "The Real Culprit Flag," and Hiroshi Tamaki, who has played a wide range of roles in films such as "The Way of the Househusband," the drama "Sakura no Tou," and the historical drama "Aoi Ten wo Tsuke."
■ Information about "This Child is Evil"
□ Director and scriptwriter: Kataoka Sho
□ Cast: Sara Minami / Ryusei Onishi (Naniwa Danshi) Yuki Sakurai, Sakura Watanabe, Rina Sakuragi, Miyoko Inagawa, Ryutaro Ninomiya / Hiroshi Tamaki
□ Production: "This Child is Evil" Production Committee (Culture Entertainment, Happinet Phantom Studio, C&I Entertainment, TC Entertainment)
□Production Manager: Culture Entertainment
□Production: C&I Entertainment, Lamp.
□ Distribution and Promotion: Happinet Phantom Studios
TSUTAYA CREATORS' PROGRAM FILM 2017 Runner-up Green Funding Award
© 2022 "This Child is Evil" Production Committee
2022 / Color / Cinemascope / 5.1ch / 100 min. Film Rating: PG12
□Official website:https://happinet-phantom.com/konokohajyaaku/
□Twitter: @konokohajyaaku #ThisKidIsEvil
□Story
Hana, the daughter of Shiro Kubo, the director of a psychological therapy clinic, was once involved in a traffic accident with her family, which left Shiro with a disfigured leg, her mother in a vegetative state, and her sister with severe burns to her face. Hana, who was deeply scarred by the accident, is visited by Jun Yonai, a high school student who is investigating the cause of her mother's mental insanity. Hana and Jun gradually begin to bond, but one day, Shiro suddenly returns home with his mother, who has just woken up from a five-year vegetative state. Shiro is happy to be able to be with his family for the first time in a long time, saying that a "miracle has happened," but Hana feels something is off. "This isn't my mother."
■This film is scheduled to be released in 2022.
Here are some comments from the cast and director.
□ Comment from Minami Sara (starring as Kubohana)
It was a difficult role, as the character had experienced hardship in the past and was carrying a dark burden, but the set was very warm and I was able to relax and act.
This was my first time acting with Onishi, and he left a strong impression on me as a very serious actor, checking the script in between performances.
This was the first time I had tried a work of this style, so I was a little nervous, but I was able to act carefully after discussing it with the director.
While I was acting, there were several moments when I found myself drawn into the mysterious world of this story. As family structures become more complex, I believe this is a work that allows us to think about the nature of "love," so I hope everyone will take a look.
□ Comment from Ryusei Onishi (Naniwa Danshi) (role of Jun Yotsui)
The character I played, Jun Yonai, is a very pure-hearted boy, just as his name suggests, and he is able to take action on his own to find the cause of his mother's mysterious illness. I thought he was much more mature and strong than I actually am. It was difficult to act as I felt emotions that I don't normally feel, but by discussing with the director I was able to create Jun's personality and the world view of the work, and it was a learning experience for me.
Although Minami is younger than me, he is a more reliable and confident actor than me. Tamaki-san was very considerate of me, and since my CD debut had not yet been decided during filming, he said to me, "I hope you can make your debut," which made me happy.
"This Child is Evil" is a film that draws you in with its mysterious world view. The human relationships are depicted realistically, and there are some nerve-wracking scenes here and there. I think you'll enjoy it more if you watch it from the perspective of various characters.
□ Comment from Yuki Sakurai (role of Mayuko Kubo)
In the first half of the script, I had the image of her as a flawless, perfect mother, but as the character changes towards the second half, I was frightened by the fragility and unwavering determination that come from striving for perfection, even though it was the role I was playing.
My memories of being on set are that it was really hot, especially since it was midsummer (laughs). However, since we were shooting every day under those circumstances, it was like a summer memory. Among them, the scene where the whole family gathers together is particularly memorable. Both happy and serious scenes.
This is a movie that will betray many of your assumptions. I would like everyone to see the various forms of love and I hope that you will watch until the end.
□ Comment from Hiroshi Tamaki (role of Shiro Kubo)
When I finished reading the script, I thought it was a quiet, scary, and mysterious story, but one I could relate to. That's what I thought. The character I play is an ordinary man who is very loving towards his wife, children and family. I don't think that what happens in this work could ever actually happen, but there's a scary feeling that it could happen somewhere, someday.
Minami was a woman with a dignified presence and a quiet strength. It was extremely hot during the shoot and everyone was feeling drowsy, but Minami-san was very focused and very reliable. At the time of filming, Onishi had not yet debuted as a member of Naniwa Danshi, but he was radiant as he approached the shoot sincerely, and I thought he was a charismatic man with a kind heart.
I think this is a mysteriously fascinating film that makes you rethink the feelings we take for granted, such as caring for our families and caring for others. Please look forward to it.
Comment from Kataoka Sho (director and screenwriter)
The script for this film took four years to write and over 30 revisions were made. I am filled with gratitude for the wonderful cast and staff who came together to work on this somewhat unusual script. Thanks to all of you, we have been able to create the most entertaining movie that no one has ever seen before.
The main character, Hana, is a role that requires extremely delicate emotional expression, but Minami-san understood what I was looking for with just a few words and hit the target in one shot. I was amazed at his keen sense and genius.
Onishi's growth during filming was incredible, and at the climax he gave such a performance that I forgot about work and was captivated by the action. I'm sure he'll be a great actor in the future.
We aimed to create a film that could be enjoyed by both people who don't usually watch movies and movie lovers. The story is carefully crafted with unpredictable developments and an ending that you will never imagine. You won't regret watching it. I would love for you to see it on the big screen in the theater.
■ Reference interview article
[Interview with the winner]
3rd TSUTAYA CREATORS' PROGRAM Runner-up Kataoka Sho: "I hope more and more stories are born from movies"
Kataoka Sho, winner of the TCP2017 Runner-up Green Funding Award, talks about the day of the final judging session and his thoughts on this work. Please take a look.
■What is the TSUTAYA CREATORS' PROGRAM?
This program invites proposals that can be turned into films from both professional and amateur artists, discovers creators who can create the films, and provides comprehensive support from production to rental, sales, and distribution. By supporting "Seeds of Masterpieces" in cooperation with various companies in the industry, we will create an environment that produces new talent and opportunities to meet new creators, thereby contributing to the revitalization of the film market. The winning work will be provided with a total production budget of over 50 million yen to provide financial and production support, and the completed work will be available for rental and sale as an original work at TSUTAYA stores nationwide, TSUTAYA DISCAS, TSUTAYA TV, and other outlets. The next call for proposals is scheduled for spring 2022.
□Official website:https://culture-pub.jp/tcp/
Materials related to this matter
Winner of the runner-up prize at TSUTAYA CREATORS' PROGRAM FILM 2017. The film "This Child is Evil" starring Minami Sara is scheduled for release in 2022!
Inquiries regarding this matter
Culture Convenience Club Co., Ltd. Tsutaya Bookstore Company Public Relations
TEL: 03-6800-4764 MAIL: tsutaya_pr@ccc.co.jp
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