Unchained

Source: Courtesy of Nikkatsu

‘Unchained’

EXCLUSIVE: Japanese studio Nikkatsu has boarded international sales of Unchained, an upcoming feature from feted filmmaker Keisuke Yoshida, starring Wataru Ichinose of hit Netflix sumo wrestler drama series Sanctuary.

Nikkatsu is set to introduce the title to international buyers at Hong Kong Filmart this month.

Produced by Tomoharu Kusunoki and Gen Ozeki at Ark Entertainment, the film revolves around the struggles of troubled young delinquents and the adults who strive to help them. The story, also written by Yoshida, is based on the young people the director encountered in his own formative years.

The cast also includes Kaho of 2024 feature Worlds Apart and Hayato Kohsaka. A release in Japan is set for June 26.

Yoshida is known for features such as Intolerance and boxing drama Blue, which were both released in 2021 – the same year he was selected as the director in focus at Tokyo International Film Festival. His previous film was 2024’s Missing, which landed Satomi Ishihara a best actress nomination at the Japanese Academy awards.

“The neighbourhood where I grew up was a poor one, and many went from delinquents to gangsters,” said Yoshida. “I lived in an environment where hurting others didn’t make one feel guilty or think twice, it was just the norm. Even in that environment, I gradually became more normal through encounters with friends and understanding adults.

“However, there were a few children who spiralled into extreme madness. I question how we can guide such children in Japan’s current education system. I sincerely hope this film serves as an opportunity to reexamine the environmental issues facing teachers and the overwhelming challenges of interacting with children.”

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