Sion Sono Tackles the Tokyo Criminal Underworld! Source: Nikkatsu Corporation, Toronto International Film Festival Official Movie Site: tokyotribe-movie.com (Japan)
Introduction
Set in an alternate Tokyo of the near future, director Sion Sono continues his run of sensational films with the explosive street gang tale, TOKYO TRIBE (????? ????, Tokyo Toraibu). The film is the first live-action adaptation of the best-selling manga series Tokyo Tribe 2, by Santa Inoue, which has sold 2 million copies and has been published in Asia and even the west to great popularity.
Story
Tokyo. A multitude of tribes exist, with resident youth ruling the streets through violence while protecting their own turf. Shibuya Saru, Shinjuku Hands, Kabuki GiraGira Girls, Musashino Saru and... Bukuro Wu-Ronz. Until now, crossing territorial lines has led to riots and rumbles. In Bukuro, Big Buppa (Big Daddy), his son Nkoi and Wu-Ronz leader Mera have local politicians in their pockets, taking control of the neighbourhood while expanding their power. Even within tribal rivalries, Mera holds a particular grudge against Musashino Saru. One day, TOKYO TRIBE`s lead character Kai, a Musashino Saru member, enters Bukuro turf with fellow gang member Hasheem and Musashino Saru leader Tera to help out their abducted comrade, Kim. There, Kai meets a mysterious girl named Sunmi. Kai and Mera face off. Why does Mera regard Kai with such hostility? What is Sunmi`s true identity? Who is the “Archbishop” that Big Daddy`s crew revere? The tribes are on the verge of exploding. Tonight, Tokyo is about to be enveloped in a battle that must be seen to be believed...
About the Director
Sion Sono was born in Toyokawa, Japan. He began making 8mm films while attending Hosei University. His feature films include SUICIDE CLUB (??????, Jisatsu Saakuru, 2001), STRANGE CIRCUS (???????, Kimyoo na Saakasu, 2005), LOVE EXPOSURE (??????, Ai no Mukidashi, 2009), which won the FIPRESCI Prize at Berlin, and GUILTY OF ROMANCE (??????, Koi no Tsumi, 2011). The Toronto International Film Festival has screened many of his films, including COLD FISH (??????, Tsumetai Nettaigyo, 2011), HIMIZU (???, 2012), THE LAND OF HOPE (????, Kibou no Kuni, 2012), and WHY DON`T YOU PLAY IN HELL? (???????, Jigoku de Naze Warui, 2013), which won the People`s Choice Midnight Madness Award. TOKYO TRIBE is his latest feature.
Credits
Running Time: 116 Minutes Rating: R Japanese Release Date: August 30, 2014 International Premiere: September 4, 2014 (Toronto International Film Festival) Cast Mera: Ryohei Suzuki Kai Deguchi: Young Dais Sunmi: Nana Seino Iwao: Shunsuke Daitoh Kim: Takuya Ishida Nori-chan: Yui Ichikawa Buppa: Riki Takeuchi MC Show: Shota Sometani Tera: Ryuta Sato Kesha: Shoko Nakagawa Erendia: Mika Kano Nikoi: Yosuke Kubozuka Daishisai: Denden Crew Director: Sion Sono Executive Producers: Ayako Oguchi, Keizo Yuri, Kinya Oguchi, Tadashi Tanaka Producers: Yoshinori Chiba, Nobuhiro Iizuka Screenplay: Sion Sono Original Story: Tokyo Tribe 2 by Santa Inoue Cinematographer: Daisuke Soma Editor: Junichi Ito Sound: Shinji Watanabe Production Designer: Yuji Hayashida Music: BCDMG Production Company: Nikkatsu Corporation International Sales Agent: Nikkatsu Corporation US Sales Agent: XYZ Films © 2014 INOUE SANTA/TOKYO TRIBE FILM PARTNERS
