It was revealed on April 25th that actor Hiroshi Abe will star in the movie "Oredewa nai enjo" (directed by Yamada Atsuhiro). The movie is scheduled to be released on September 26th. Abe plays a man who is framed as a murderer on social media and goes viral. A Teaser trailer and teaser visual were also released.
The film is based on the novel of the same name by Akinari Asakura (Futaba Bunko), which was nominated for the 36th Shugoro Yamamoto Prize. It depicts the horror of modern-day false accusations, in which unfounded information on social media becomes the "truth" and develops into a major incident. Asakura is known for the original story and screenplay of the manga "Shohashoten" currently being serialized in "Jump SQ.", and "Six Lying College Students," which was nominated for the 43rd Yoshikawa Eiji Literary Newcomer Prize and was also made into a movie.
The newly released Teaser trailer begins with a cutout photo of Yamagata Taisuke (Abe) smiling, accompanied by the caption "This man is the culprit." As the news reports on the murder of a female college student, attempts to identify the culprit begin on social media. Along with the narrator saying, "One day, a man was suddenly framed as the culprit on social media," speculation begins to take on a life of its own, with the culprit being determined to be Yamagata Taisuke, sales manager at Daitei House! Before you know it, speculation begins to take on a life of its own as if it were true. Pursued by streamers who are calling for a private arrest and people who do not suspect justice, Yamagata desperately pleads, "I'm innocent!" After the title is displayed, an irritated Yamagata's voice shouting, "What is this?" echoes through the elevator, creating an impressive scene.
The teaser visual also features a photo of Yamagata Taisuke wearing a hat and running clothes, looking surprised after being photographed unexpectedly, in a posting screen that is often seen on the social media site "Enjo Matome Breaking News."
The full comments from lead actor Abe and director Yamada are as follows:
◇Comment from lead actor Hiroshi Abe
When I received the offer, I first felt that "this story strongly reflects the problems of modern society." Irresponsible spreading on social media, groundless flame wars, and rebuilding ties with family -- these are all fused together in one drama, and I felt that it would be a very challenging and rewarding work. The more serious the story, the more comical the man's figure regaining his humanity as he flees, and the more delicate the emotional ups and downs required in the performance. I wanted to carefully express both his human weakness and strength. I would be happy if this work makes viewers feel anew the importance of family and connections with other people.
◇Comment from Director Atsuhiro Yamada
While it is a full-scale suspense mystery, the worldview of the original work has a certain humor, and I approached the filming thinking about how to fully expose the charm of Abe, a national star. Although it deals with the modern theme of SNS, I think it is turning out to be entertainment that is not difficult to get into and can be enjoyed by anyone. Please look forward to it!
◇Comment from the original author, Akinari Asakura
What is the worst tragedy that could happen in modern times? After thinking about it, I came to the conclusion that it was a huge controversy caused by being falsely accused of a crime. I have no idea whatsoever. Yet, I have been cleverly made to look like a criminal. No one lends me a hand, even when I ask for help or make excuses. On the contrary, the situation is only getting worse.
I struggled to write a story about a protagonist who is pushed to his limits both physically and mentally, so when I heard that this work would be made into a movie, I had a feeling that the lead actor would have to go through a lot of pain, just like the protagonist. I'm sorry, Hiroshi Abe. I really can't wait to see the finished product.
◇ Comment from Producer Ryuhei Tsutsui
One day, the protagonist, Taisuke Yamagata, is suddenly revealed to the public as a "murderer" and his personal information is exposed. Although he has no recollection of the incident, he has no choice but to run away.
The novel "It's Not Me" written by Akinari Asakura starts off with an overwhelmingly realistic hook that is connected to reality. The protagonist is quickly identified as the culprit, and is criticized by not only those close to him, but also complete strangers, in what is known as a "flaming incident." "I'm not to blame," "Who framed me?" The way the protagonist, who should have worked hard and diligently at both work and family, is driven to the point where he says "I don't care what happens anymore..." goes beyond suspense and is now almost comical. But is this really something we should be laughing at?
Could it happen to me tomorrow?! The non-stop blazing entertainment begins! This time, Hiroshi Abe plays the main character, Yamagata Taisuke.
This has been a dream come true since the beginning of the film project! We look forward to the day when you can see it in cinemas.
