Kurosawa Remake
Remaking a Kurosawa film is very tricky but it’s happening yet again.
Akira Kurosawa’s 1958 film “The Hidden Fortress” (”Kakushi Toride no San Akunin”) is getting a remake, directed by special effects specialist Shinji Higuchi. This version will star Arashi member Jun Matsumoto in his first jidaigeki role, with a supporting cast that includes popular actress Masami Nagasawa.
The original film starred Toshiro Mifune as the defeated general Rokurota trying to secretly escort a princess and her wealth to safety. Along the way, he is joined in the journey by two peasants. In Higuchi’s version, the story’s protagonist is the peasant Takezo (played by Matsumoto), rather than the general.
Masami Nagasawa plays the role of the princess, while Hiroshi Abe plays Rokurota. According to Sports Hochi, comedian Daisuke Miyagawa is also part of the cast, and Kazuki Nakashima is handling the adaptation of the script.
The movie reportedly has a budget of 1.5 billion yen. Filming starts next month and lasts until the end of the year, with theatrical release set for May 10, 2008.
Matsumoto Jun… is he worthy? I mean, he’s definitely a pop culture icon in Japan but his acting chops are questionable. I’ve seen him in Hana Yori Dango and he was the reason I stopped watching it. And before that I saw him in Gokusen. He wasn’t the reason I stopped watching that but he wasn’t very impressive. What is amazing to me is that he is playing the role that the legendary Mifune Toshiro played. Thank God they’re changing his character from a general to a peasant because Matsumoto is definitely not able to reprise a role by Mifune.
Anyway, I’m always happy to be proven wrong. We’ll see what happens next May.
December 6, 2007 at 6:08 pm
Honestly i was impressed with Matsumoto Jun’s work in Hana Yori Dango, and he’s the reason i can’t wait to watch HyD II. Also i unknowingly saw him in the taboo movie, Boku wa imouto ni koi o suru, in which he took the role of Yori. I’m about to hunt down every other show he’s been in and watch it. So far i enjoy his acting skills
Although i feel no one can replace the original actors in ANY Kurosawa movie, let’s see what Matsumoto’s got!
December 8, 2007 at 8:41 pm
I agree w/ Brittney…..Jun is quite impressive w/ his expressions….i enjoy the way he acts cold but still is very passionate when pushed in the right way. He was great in Gokusen too! I can’t wait till the Hana Yori Dango movie. But I suppose you are entitled to your opinion and me to mine.
December 12, 2007 at 2:52 am
First,i watched HYD & HYD 2 & thought he was okay.Then I watched Gokusen && fall inlove with him.But i thought he was great in both HYD/HYD2 & Gokusen. Now I’m waiting to watch HYD Final. [I really hope that is not the real final...]
January 27, 2008 at 9:17 am
hi i am one of your fans….im so happy that i see you in tv show on gma please if you want to add me just open my friendsetr this is my email:lil_cali_28@yahoo.com thank you very much!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!
February 5, 2008 at 6:36 am
i really love him acting..i think that he was quite talented..and gosh he’s so cute..I LOVE HIM AND I THINK THAT HE IS GOOD PERIOD!
February 7, 2008 at 7:48 am
I love him! I think the bad boy roles really fits him.. But I must say his hairstyle sucks in HYD 2.. Dont you think? I like him better in Gokusen.
February 13, 2008 at 5:36 am
I really love how he smile and obviously in his hair style.
March 7, 2008 at 4:35 pm
I have an original movie poster of this film and always enjoy looking at it. Does anyone really think the great masters of the past can be surpassed in their work? Better to make something original, I think, and respect the past achievements.
March 18, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Watch him in Kimi Wa Petto, not only is he believable and endearing, but after that, no matter what he is in…it’s a must watch for me. I think a lot of people just love him or hate him. I obviously love him! ^_^
March 19, 2008 at 11:26 am
“Matsumoto Jun…is he worthy?” YES. I’ve seen him is Kimi wa Petto, HYDI & II, and Kindaichi Shonen no Jikenbo, and I must say he is definately worthy. One reason being he is so different from other Japanese actors. He has his own character and style, which is a big plus. He also has a very unique look, like in his face & smile, which is cute and different. (I’m feeling like Paula Abdul..agh) Compare him to other teen idol actors and give him another chance! You’ll begin to notice his charm…Asa asa Fighto JunKun!!
April 6, 2008 at 4:25 pm
I think Jun-kun was great in HyD one and two! I can’t wait for the movie either. And you can’t deny he’s a great band member – have you seen him dance?! <3
April 18, 2008 at 6:35 pm
hi everyone!!! i have to say that i agree with “just love him or hate him”.. i just LOVE HIM is so perfect in all ways!!!!! specially their lips.. mmmm!!!!!`^^`!!
ahhh i like the way he act.. also the way he moves!!!
ok!!!! matta ne and thank you!!!!
May 5, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Actually, the first time i saw Gokusen, I saw him and I couldn’t stop watching it! so far, i’ve been watching all his dramas and he’s the reason I love Arashi so much. In my opinion, i think he really portrays his characters. He can act cold, happy, obedient, sad, anything! overall, i love his acting!
June 6, 2008 at 8:22 am
My be you’re not too handsome for me. But you must say Arigato to Good who give you a beautifull pair eyes. Let you see alone.. I sure
June 11, 2008 at 9:34 pm
Moshi moshi jun matsumoto!!! genki desu ka?? I really like you, the way you act and the way you move. You’re my greatest and ultimate crush. Sana magkita tayo sa personal, soon! I really adore you, don’t you know na umiyak na ako dahil sayo. I’m crazy for you! My friends and my parents knows that! You’re the best jun/shin sawada/domyouji tsukasa/etc… Di kita maka2limutan ’till I die… Aishete Imasu. ki otsuke nasai!!!
June 18, 2008 at 5:07 am
hi i love matsumoto jun and im always watching his shows especially hana yori dango im from philippines…………………
August 28, 2008 at 12:30 am
moshimosh……aishite suro jun chan…..gokegen ikaga desu?….muahhh.
August 28, 2008 at 12:31 am
your role in hyd I and II was really great….
June 25, 2009 at 5:57 pm
I haven’t seen the movie yet, but really, I’m worried about what kind of work did Matsumoto Jun did. I have seen HYD, Gokusen and Kimi wa petto, all of the pop dramas, but kurosawa is a different level. I’ve seen the original movie many years ago, and it wasn’t the best kurosawa film (i prefer rashomon), but still, is Kurosawa. I hope Jun has madured like an actor for the sake of the movie, and because deep inside, I believe the arashi boy can be a good actor, he had some good moments in HYD and Gokusen… let’s see what happens