Making-Of Video Shows Wire Stunts for TOKYO BURST
The video provides the first extended look at how the Japanese adaptation of a Korean blockbuster franchise builds its action identity around wire work and practical stunts rather than CGI.
Reporting from 2 sources: Eiga Natalie, Cinema Today.
A making-of video for the film "TOKYO BURST-犯罪都市-" has been released on YouTube, showing behind-the-scenes footage including wire action between lead actor Koji Mizukami and villain actor Sota Fukushi. The film is a Japanese original story set in the universe of the Korean "Crime City" series produced by and starring Ma Dong-seok. Directed by Eiji Uchida, the movie follows rookie detective Aiba Shiro (Mizukami) and Korean police detective Choi Si-woo (Yunho from TVXQ) as they pursue an international crime syndicate in Tokyo's Kabukicho district. Fukushi plays the syndicate boss Murata Renji, with Eom Gi-jun as his right-hand man Kim Hoon. In the video, Mizukami describes his character as someone who moves instinctively, while Uchida compares Aiba's headbutt ability favorably to Ma Dong-seok's. Yunho, making his Japanese film debut, discusses the importance of motivation behind action scenes. The film opens May 29 at TOHO Cinemas Hibiya and nationwide. First-run attendees will receive an original postcard from May 29 to June 4, while supplies last.
Uchida described the approach to adapting the Korean franchise as "not copying it directly, but renewing it as a Japanese original while preserving only the flavor as one new entry in the series," according to Cinema Today. The film's action style incorporates professional wrestling moves. Mizukami said he "tried to figure out how to embed pro wrestling techniques into the action without making them look like just pro wrestling moves."
Yunho, making his Japanese film debut, explained his action philosophy: "I think the 'ma' between action beats is extremely important. If I don't create a reason why I am performing this action, I think it is a lie. I did my best straight-on and desperately."
Mizukami described his struggle filming the fight with Fukushi: "His arms are so thick I couldn't grab them." Fukushi responded that "it was really fun doing it. I felt the joy of being able to go at it seriously with each other."
The production shut down the area in front of Shinjuku Alta and filmed a scene scattering 8 million yen in actual cash. The cast also includes Shibukawa Kiyohiko, Aoyagi Sho, Hikorohi, Park Ji-hwan, Tsurumi Shingo, and Pierre Taki. Uchida described the film as "a new form of police movie. Please enjoy the police story."
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 2 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.
Sources
- Eiga Natalie 水上恒司が“動物的”に動いた「TOKYO BURST-犯罪都市-」、福士蒼汰とワイヤーアクション
- Cinema Today 水上恒司＆東方神起ユンホが躍動！『TOKYO BURST－犯罪都市－』スペシャルメイキング映像公開