The acclaimed bestseller 'Aku' (The Worst), adapted into a film.
Win the original book: 3 copies available!
Kazuya Shiraishi directs a bestseller
A crime thriller delving into the darkness of the human heart: 'Aku no Kyoten'
'Aku no Kyoten,' a film adaptation of a bestselling non-fiction work directed by Kazuya Shiraishi, will be released nationwide on Saturday, September 21st, at Shinjuku Piccadilly and other theaters. To commemorate the release, OPENERS is giving away three copies of the original book, 'Aku no Kyoten – Confessions of a Death Row Inmate.'
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
Takayuki Yamada delivers a powerful performance as the lead
Based on the confessions of a death row inmate, a journalist uncovers a murder case that was about to be buried, leading to the perpetrator's arrest. This bestselling non-fiction work, 'Aku no Kyoten – Confessions of a Death Row Inmate,' has been brought to the screen with a cast full of unique personalities. It has been completed as a crime thriller that cuts into the darkness hidden within the human heart.
The director is Kazuya Shiraishi, who garnered attention with his debut film 'Lost Paradise in Tokyo.' He is also a devoted disciple of the late Koji Wakamatsu, known for his documentary-style filmmaking. Shiraishi has now created a weighty human drama that strikes at the heart of contemporary society.
Playing the journalist Fujii, the lead role, is Takayuki Yamada, a representative of Japan's young acting talent. Yamada portrays Fujii's transformation, as he gradually becomes infected by madness by approaching an evil soul, with an almost supernatural intensity. Meanwhile, Pierre Taki plays the death row inmate Sudo, and Lily Franky, showcasing his multifaceted talent, plays the pivotal role of 'Sensei' in this gripping drama.
A monologue letter from a death row inmate
Fujii Shuichi, a reporter for a scoop magazine, is handed a letter by his superior. The sender is Sudo Junji, imprisoned at the Tokyo Detention Center. The letter reads, 'I have three more crimes I haven't told anyone about yet.'
In the interview room, Sudo faces Fujii and confesses that the mastermind behind all the crimes is a real estate broker named Kimura Takao, known as 'Sensei.' He wants Fujii to write about it to bring 'Sensei,' who is still operating freely, to justice.
As he continues his investigation, Fujii begins to realize the credibility of Sudo's confessions and becomes engrossed in the reporting as if possessed.—.
How far can human beings descend into evil? A drama that pierces the viewer's heart, alongside the truth behind a murder case that shook Japan, is about to begin.
Win the original book of 'Aku no Kyoten' – 3 copies available!
Edited by Shincho 45 Editorial Department, 'Aku no Kyoten – Confessions of a Death Row Inmate' (Published by Shinchosha Bunko)
Application Deadline: September 19th (Thursday) 10:00 AM
Applications are now closed.
Thank you for your many applications.
Winners will be notified via email. Winners must reply to the email, keeping the subject line the same and including all necessary information. Please note that failure to reply by the deadline will result in disqualification.
'Aku no Kyoten'
Opening September 21st (Saturday) at Shinjuku Piccadilly and other theaters nationwide
Director & Screenplay: Kazuya Shiraishi
Starring: Takayuki Yamada, Pierre Taki, Chizuru Ikewaki, Lily Franky
Distribution: Nikkatsu
2013 / Japan / 128 minutes
© 2013 'Aku no Kyoten' Production Committee