BAKUMAN (2015)

Genre: Drama
Director: Hitoshi Ohne　
Cast: Takeru Satoh, Ryunosuke Kamiki, Nana Komatsu, Shota Sometani, Takayuki Yamada, Kankuro Kudo
Runtime: 2 hrs
Rating: PG
Released By: Golden Village Pictures 
Official Website: www.bakuman-movie.com

Opening Day: 19 November 2015

Synopsis: The “Death Note” duo’s “Bakuman” which began in 2008 as a series in Shonen Jump Weekly is considered as depicting the modern-day “Way of Manga.” While the content was considered avant- garde for Shonen Jump Weekly, the 20　volume series won wide support, not only from Death Note fans, but also sub-culture and creator fans, selling a phenomenal 15 million copies. The genius who will bring this masterpiece of Japanese manga-making to life is director Hitoshi Ohne, of the groundbreaking film adaptation of “Moteki(Love Strikes!).” Director Ohne’s masterful, innovative use of imagery will weave a tale of the boys’ development, struggle, friendship and love. His goal is to create a vibrant, exhilarating work on par with “The Social Network”, “Ping Pong” and “Kids Return.” This innovative coming-of-age action film will appeal to audiences of all ages and speak to everyone who loves (or has ever loved) manga.

Movie Review:

Bakuman is yet another movie adaptation of a popular selling manga series of the same name. Recently we have seen some disappointments for live adaptations from mangas such as Attack on Titan (2015) and The Black Butler (2014), which certainly made fans of the original series cringe with distaste because of the leap too far off from the original. Thankfully, although Bakuman did have parts which does not follow the manga series closely, it has managed to bring out a flavor of its own and emerge out of this downward spiral.

A goal that sparked off with the promise made with the girl of his dreams got serious when Moritaka Mashiro / Saiko (played by Sato Takeru) decided he had to be the best to attain his dreams. The dream of having a regular manga published on the ever-popular Weekly Shonen JUMP magazine, and eventually having Azuki Miho (played by Komatsu Nana) becoming the voice actress of his works.

Takagi Akito (played by Ryunosuke Kamiki) discovered Saiko’s manga drawing talent and teamed up with him; Takagi became in-charge of the narrative and story while Saiko is chiefly in-charge of the manga drawing. This team meets with much adventures and challenges along the way, as they embark on this journey of pursuing their passions.

It is not the first time that Sato Takeru works with Ryunosuke Kamiki. Previously, they have also worked together in another live adaptation of Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends (2014), where they played opposing roles. This explains their seamless onscreen chemistry, which translates very well into the roles of Takagi and Saiko, bringing out the brotherhood and the strong support forged in this progress to the top, making breakthroughs after breakthroughs.

The cast for Bakuman is also worth a mention. Sato Takeru and Ryunosuke Kamiki are notable actors in the new wave of Japanese actors, who slowly built their popularity with sheer hard work. The cast also consists of Shota Sometami, a gifted actor who plays the key antagonist of the movie, veteran actor Lily Franky (plays the role of the chief editor) and Yamada Takayuki (plays the role of the editor in-charge). Together, this strong lineup made possible the vivid delivery and highly entertaining Bakuman.

The movie highlights the hard work and delicacy in manga drawing. It also subtly pays tribute to several hallmark JUMP works, including quoting from the famous Slam Dunk series – “The game is over once you give up.” Simply interesting and effectively conveying this unique facet of Japanese culture manga where it’s enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age and background.

Despite going through several setbacks and meeting with many challenges, Takagi and Saiko eventually made it to the top – well, for only once. After the heightened atmosphere of actualizing their dreams of ranking first on the Weekly Shonen JUMP, the movie drops to the chilling reality that comes after the one hit wonder. Albeit a little anti-climax and not the typical 'happily ever after' model, Bakuman is still one movie that is watch-worthy, being passionate and impressionable. 

Movie Rating:

(Friendship, Endeavour, Victory! A hot-blooded and passionate movie that makes one appreciate the profound culture of manga!)

Review by Tho Shu Ling