Introduction to Hello
The Japanese film "Hello" has achieved unprecedented success, with its director, Lee Sang-il, stating that its popularity is "beyond everything I could have imagined." The film premiered in Cannes and was later released in Japanese cinemas, where it earned almost $95 million, making it the highest-grossing live-action feature of the year in Japan.
The Film’s Unexpected Success
The film’s success can be attributed to its unique storyline, which revolves around a family of Kabuki theater actors. Director Lee Sang-il expressed his surprise at the film’s popularity, stating, "Why did over 10 million viewers in Japan see the film? I have no idea." The film’s success has made it Japan’s 19th highest-grossing film of all time.
The Challenges of Filming Kabuki
Director Lee Sang-il noted that filming Kabuki is extremely difficult, and there has been no film with Kabuki at its center since Kenji Mizoguchi’s "The Story of the Last Chrysanthemum" in 1939. The film’s three-hour duration and complex storyline made it a challenging project. Despite these challenges, the film’s lead actor, Ryo Yoshizawa, was able to bring a new perspective to the traditional art form.
The Actor’s Experience
Ryo Yoshizawa, who played the adoptive son of a Kabuki master, learned to dance Kabuki for 18 months to prepare for the role. Director Lee Sang-il instructed him to "not dance nicely, but to dance in a way that conveys the emotions of his character." Yoshizawa’s performance was well-received by audiences, who were surprised by the film’s ability to transcend its traditional subject matter.
Themes and Inspiration
The film explores the conflict between traditional bloodlines and outsiders, a theme that director Lee Sang-il has revisited in his previous works. Lee noted that people born into families with a long history of acting are born with a certain burden, but outsiders also have their own stresses. The director’s own background, born in Japan, may have indirectly influenced his interest in this theme.
Collaboration and Cinematography
Director Lee Sang-il collaborated with Tunisian cinematographer Sofian El Fani, who brought a fresh perspective to the film. Lee admired El Fani’s work on "Blue is the Warmest Color" and deliberately chose a cinematographer who was not familiar with Kabuki. This collaboration added to the film’s unique visual style and helped to bring the traditional art form to life on screen.
Impact on the Japanese Film Industry
The success of "Hello" has revived interest in live-action filmmaking in Japan, where the box office is often dominated by anime and adaptations of TV dramas and manga. Director Lee Sang-il noted that the film’s success has generated enthusiasm among industry professionals, but there is no guarantee that this phenomenon will continue. The film is set to be released in South Korea and North America, introducing its unique blend of traditional and modern storytelling to a wider audience.
