JFF22: Blue

Synopsis

Urita is a professional boxer with an unrivalled love of the sport. However his underling Kazuki is a better boxer and, moreover, is dating Urita’s childhood friend Chika. Urita keeps his negative feelings hidden and helps Kazuki prepare for the title match. Meanwhile, Narasaki starts boxing on a whim but gradually becomes enthralled by the sport and wants to go pro. Drama builds as their fights draw near…

This drama uses the unforgiving sport of boxing to cast a quiet and kind gaze on human life that has no clear winner. Keisuke Yoshida's splendid direction exudes unvoiced emotions tucked away inside, including frustration at the gap between ability and passion, fear of punch drunk syndrome and feelings of camaraderie. Audiences will undoubtedly be profoundly moved by the in-depth character development, especially Urita’s emotional state as performed by acting maestro Kenichi Matsuyama. With his consecutive masterpieces in recent years, Keisuke Yoshida is at present one of Japan’s leading directors.

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