A wannabe samurai gets his big break—too bad his director worships his talentless co-star.
Keisuke, an aspiring samurai-movie actor lands a major role in a new film, but must contend with a director who has nothing but scorn for him, but who continually fawns over the film’s obnoxious ham of a star.
Direction
Nakano's playful genre-hopping between samurai flick and rom-com.
Acting
Nagase's perfect deadpan against Takenaka's deliciously insufferable ham.
Writing
Script savages Japanese film industry nepotism with surprising warmth.
Director
Hiroyuki Nakano
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Nakano was previously known for samurai-themed music videos, making this his ironic love-hate letter to the genre.
The director character reportedly resembles several real Japanese New Wave figures—industry insiders reportedly winced at screenings.
JP
