MOVIE | "Savages," a crime thriller from master director Oliver Stone.

MOVIE | Two Men Take On a Massive Drug Cartel After Their Lover is Kidnapped

Crime Thriller 'SAVAGES' by Master Director Oliver Stone

Master director Oliver Stone brings Don Winslow's bestselling novel to the screen in the crime thriller 'SAVAGES'. The film opens in Japan on Friday, March 8th, at TOHO Cinemas Miyukiza and other theaters nationwide.

Text by YANAKA Tomomi

Original Author Don Winslow Also Participated in Screenwriting

'SAVAGES' depicts a fierce battle waged by two successful marijuana businessmen and their shared lover against a powerful drug cartel. Upon its release in 2010, Don Winslow's novel, praised for its poetic language and innovative structure incorporating cinematic techniques, immediately attracted the attention of Oliver Stone, a three-time Academy Award winner, who was eager to adapt it into a film.

While Stone has recently focused on politically charged works and large-scale entertainment films, his signature potent style, evident in the 1994 violent film 'Natural Born Killers,' which won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival, makes a powerful return in this movie. With its exhilarating narrative, bold depictions of violence, offbeat humor, and a surprising ending, the film showcases Stone's inherent powerful and dynamic filmmaking.

Furthermore, the original author Don Winslow also contributed to the screenplay. The film features a conclusion that diverges from the novel, designed to surprise even devoted fans.

The cast features Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the gentle, intelligent botanist and Taylor Kitsch, fresh off starring roles in major films like 'Battleship' and 'John Carter,' as the cool and formidable ex-mercenary Chon. Blake Lively, the star of the TV drama 'Gossip Girl' and a fashion icon, plays their shared lover Ophelia. Supporting this trio are veteran stars with both talent and charisma, including Benicio Del Toro, Salma Hayek, and John Travolta.

Desire and Schemes Await Those Living in Peace

Ben, a kind-hearted botanist, and Chon, an ex-mercenary who has seen combat across the globe, have achieved great success in cultivating premium marijuana. They live in a luxurious resort in Laguna Beach, California, with their shared lover, Ophelia. Their free, peaceful, and contented life together is abruptly shattered when they refuse a partnership offer from a Mexican drug cartel.
The cartel attempts to subjugate Ben and Chon by kidnapping Ophelia. To rescue their beloved, the two men launch a counterattack, fully utilizing their intellect and combat skills to wage a perilous war against Elena, the ruthless queenpin of the cartel.—.

Despite their involvement in the dangerous world of the marijuana business, the unbreakable bond of love and friendship between the three is tested by a complex web of desire and deceit. You won't be able to take your eyes off this thrilling drama as it unfolds in unexpected directions!

'SAVAGES'

Opens Friday, March 8th, 2013, at TOHO Cinemas Miyukiza and nationwide.

Directed and Screenplay by Oliver Stone

Starring Taylor Kitsch, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Blake Lively,

John Travolta, Benicio Del Toro, Salma Hayek

Distribution: Toho Towa

2012 / USA / 129 min / R15+
http://yabanna-yatsura.jp/

© Universal Pictures