Takashi Miike: “My films are the result of fortuitous encounters with people and stories”

The Japanese director Takashi Miike and the whole team from his film, Ichimei (Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai) held a press conference. Here is some of what they had to say…

Takashi Miike, discussed his choice to direct a samurai film:

“I didn’t make Ichimei (Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai) because I wanted to film violence. No, it became a violent film because I am passionate about the subject matter. My films are not defined by genre: it is the characters in the story who decide what form it will take. I am controlled by cinema and by characters. My films are the result of fortuitous encounters with people and stories.”

Takashi Miike talked about using 3D during filming:

“The subject matter, setting and film set for Ichmei (Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai) were right for 3D filming. That said, filming in 3D imposes lots of limitations. The film has no battle scenes because they take so long to film in 3D. But filming in 3D opens up other exciting possibilities.”

Kikumi Yamagishi, the screenwriter, discussed adapting the original work:

“I worked hard to preserve its essence. The character of the samurai chief is very different from the Kobayashi adaptation made in 1963. The main character doesn’t kill anyone in the original work. His intention is to return to the original meaning of the samurai code and to teach those who have turned away from it.” 

Eita, one of the actors, talked about working with Takashi Miike:

“I knew Takashi Miike’s films and was aware of his demanding approach. So I expected a lot of tension, but there was none. Takashi has a great sense of humour. He pushed me to give the best of myself.”

Report by B.P.