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18 Sep - It has been revealed that Japanese actor Matsuda Shota and former AKB48 member Maeda Atsuko would be appearing in director Kurosawa Kiyoshi's new movie, which is also said to star prolific Hong Kong actor Tony Leung.
According to Tokyo Hive, the movie is titled "1905", and is set during the early days of the Chinese revolution, a pivotal historical period due to the large influx of Chinese immigrants to Japan. Tony Leung will play a loan shark named Yan Yulong, who arrives in Japan in search of five Chinese men who owe him money.
His search is joined by Matsuda's character, Kato Tamotsu; an ultranationalist belonging to a group called the Houkokukai, who is also seeking the same five men to deport them from Japan. Meanwhile, Maeda will play Yan Yulong's blunt and brave caretaker with a difficult temperament who provides his meals in Japan.
Although "1905" is a Japanese production, it is reported that 90 per cent of the lines in movie would be in Chinese, thus, it would prove to be a challenge for Matsuda and Maeda. The two would have to learn the language through extensive lessons before the shooting begins.
"I was surprised by the sheer scale of this movie and its incredible cast, but at the moment when I received the script and realized that I will really be able to meet director Kurosawa, I couldn't help but feel extremely happy. I want to have confidence in myself and enjoy the shooting, but also keep the tense atmosphere," said Matsuda, who added that he was literally shaking when he read the script, due to its sheer ambition.
Maeda added, "Director Kurosawa is working everywhere in the world and I'm very excited that I'll be able to participate in one of his movies. My character is a very charming woman and I'm going to put all my energy into my performance."
Kurosawa, who made a name for himself through Japanese horror movies, revealed that he has been working on this movie with Leung since they first met in 2009 at the Asian Film Awards, and he is very satisfied to have Matsuda and Maeda on board.
"The cast is like a dream come true for me. I still can't believe that this is real. I think that those three wonderful actors will be able connect with each other beyond words, age, and gender. They'll connect with their souls. Getting to work with such great people is more blessing than one director deserves," he said.
"1905" is expected to be released some time in 2013.