Director Kazuya Shioniri Tackles a Work Said to Be Unfilmable

Set in Hokkaido, the film tells the story of Hana, an orphan at age 10, and Jun, a distant relative who takes her in. "My Man," a "forbidden love story" where these two lonely souls find each other and fall in love amidst the vast northern nature, is also a "supreme suspense" that depicts a murder case. Director Kazuya Shioniri, whose meticulous psychological portrayals and visual expressions are highly acclaimed both domestically and internationally, has taken on this work, which was deemed unfilmable due to its provocative themes and extreme setting, creating a dense and beautiful world.

Tadanobu Asano, known for his roles in numerous Hollywood blockbusters, plays Jun, a man who is both melancholic and shadowy, yet possesses an undeniable elegance. His performance, a culmination of his 25-year acting career, is captivating. Fumi Nikaido, who won the Best Newcomer Award at the Venice Film Festival at the age of 16, plays Hana, the orphan girl taken in by Jun. She delivers a fearless performance, showcasing a bewitching allure that belies her teenage years. The cast also includes Tatsuya Fuji as the influential local figure Oshio, who holds the key to the story, and Kengo Kora as Ozaki.

The film also incorporates the drift ice of the Sea of Okhotsk and deep snow, creating breathtaking visual beauty. The harsh natural environment lends depth and further resonance to the narrative.

Ten-year-old Hana, who lost her family in a tsunami caused by a major earthquake that struck Okushiri Island, is taken in by a man claiming to be a distant relative, Jun. Their lives, intertwined by lonely souls, begin.

Six years later, a murder occurs on the drift ice of the Sea of Okhotsk: the local notable Oshio is killed. Jun and Hana leave, as if fleeing the dark northern sea, carrying a profound sense of loss and a dense secret known only to them. What awaits them as they protect their secret, becoming increasingly reckless in their mutual defense?

This grand spectacle, set against the drift ice of the Sea of Okhotsk, presents a form of love that transcends logic, plunging us into the abyss of love, solitude, and despair.

Opening nationwide on Saturday, June 14th, at Shinjuku Piccadilly and other theaters.
Director | Kazuya Shioniri
Starring | Tadanobu Asano, Fumi Nikaido, Kengo Kora, Tatsuya Fuji, Morohoshioka
Distribution | Nikkatsu
2013 | Japan | 129 min | R15+
http://watashi-no-otoko.com

Ⓒ 2014 "My Man" Production Committee