The film "National Treasure" surpasses 10.5 billion yen in box office revenue

It was announced on August 18th that the film "National Treasure" (directed by Lee Sang-il), starring actor Ryo Yoshizawa, has grossed 10.5 billion yen and attracted an audience of over 7.47 million people.

In the all-time box office rankings, it is the third highest grossing Japanese live-action film after "Bayside Shakedown 2: Close Down the Rainbow Bridge" (released in 2003, 17.35 billion yen) and "Antarctica" (released in 1983, 11 billion yen).

The film is based on the novel of the same name by Shuichi Yoshida, known for works such as "Parade" and "Park Life." The two volumes of the book, published in 2018, are a massive work of over 800 pages. The film was shown at the Cannes Film Festival. In the 59 days since its release on June 6th, it has grossed over 8.5 billion yen, making it the top live-action film released this year (as of August 3rd).

Set in post-war Japan during the period of rapid economic growth, the story follows the protagonist Kikuo (Yoshizawa), who was born into a clan of yakuza but was adopted into the home of kabuki actor Hanjiro Hanai (Ken Watanabe), who meets Hanjiro's heir, Shunsuke (Ryusei Yokohama). The story depicts the epic story of two men of completely different bloodlines who risk their lives to devote their lives to the art.

◇Comment from Ryo Yoshizawa

I participated in this project with the desire to make a film that would touch the lives of even the few who watch it, a film that would be truly cherished. I am so grateful that so many people have loved it. I have received so many passionate comments from those who have seen it, and every day I feel truly glad that I was able to be a part of this project. This has become a very special film for me as well.

◇Comment from Ryusei Yokohama

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the many people who have loved and watched the film "National Treasure." I couldn't be happier, and it has strengthened my sense of responsibility to help develop Japanese cinema. When I decided to be involved in this film, I wanted to live my life with respect for Kabuki, a traditional Japanese performing art, and to convey the charm of Kabuki.

I feel that I will have fulfilled my mission if those who watch the film become interested in seeing actual kabuki. The film is still being shown, so if you haven't seen it yet, please do. I hope that it will be an important film that will stay in your hearts.

◇Comment from Ken Watanabe

It's been just over two months since the film's release, and I'm both surprised and delighted that so many people have come to see it. The passion and hard work of everyone involved in this film, from the staff and cast to the director, has been rewarded. During filming, I had the opportunity to reexamine many things, such as what the arts mean to me and what it means to have the right mindset to perform on stage. I'm very happy to have had the opportunity to take part in such a historic production as an actor. Thank you very much.

◇Comment from Director Lee Sang-il

It was a scene I'd only seen in old, old movies. From the elderly to junior and senior high school students, the entire audience, men and women alike, all stared at the same screen, leaning forward for three hours. The generational divide vanished, and we all yearned for a moment that trembled in our souls. It was a scene that burned into our eyes, a scene that we'll never forget. It made us realize how beautiful tears flow for no apparent reason. Everyone involved is truly grateful to everyone who has visited the theater multiple times, as well as everyone who will be bathing in this "national treasure" even once, or even in the future. Film is wonderful, and worth fighting for.