Original subtitles

Takuma Toshiro.

You're an actor.

An action film actor, right?

He's just wrapped his debut film BIRTH.

He's the star and action director.

I'm honored to be interviewing Takuma Toshiro.

Thank you.

I hear you're trained in "Assassination-jutsu,"

and also something called "Zero Range Combat."

That's right, and they're disciplines I intend to master.

I pursue things to the extreme. It's pointless otherwise.

I think the best word to describe him is "Samurai."

One day I heard some actor wanted to meet me.

He came in wearing a black hoodie.

"Who's this f***er?"

"You're an actor! What can I teach you?"

Well, that's what I thought.

I first saw him at one of our MMA tournaments.

He'd entered as a fighter.

I thought, "What's an actor doing here?"

But he kicked ass with moves I'd never seen.

I had to admit he was something else.

Wouldn't you have to be a war veteran to master "Assassination-jutsu"?

I do have battlefield experience, actually.

Film sets are a war zone.

He was so edgy.

He's in a category all of his own.

That dude's crazy.

He's insane.

For an actor, he's too hardcore.

I've heard you could kill anyone with ease if you wanted to.

Of course, I can kill people,

but I can keep them alive, too.

But everything is in service of my films.

I'm an action film actor.

My understanding of action films was that they shoot several takes,

then they edit the footage to make it look action-packed.

I don't think of him as an "Action Film Actor" at all.

But I heard Toshiro shoots his scenes in one take.

It must be tough for his co-stars.

They need the same skill level.

He took my Zero Range techniques and developed a discipline he calls "Wave."

He stretches his body beyond the limits of average men.

He's incredibly quick and agile.

In my opinion, in every action film made so far,

everyone just follows the choreography. They're dancing.

Dancing?

In normal acting, there's an element of realism, right?

But when it comes to action films, you can't find realism anywhere.

It's hard to define "real."

In the world of MMA, we fight for real.

But we're not trying to murder the other guy.

We fight within the rules.

He's not a "Martial Artist," either.

For example, take the line "Good morning."

Anybody can deliver that with reality.

But in an action film, everyone suddenly goes:

"Punch. Punch." It's so stiff.

Why is there no realism in action?

No matter how much I thought about it, it just didn't feel right.

That's why I started to learn the real deal.

I've trained him alongside guys from JSDF, and my military buddies.

He does things the military guys can't, without any fuss.

He is something special.

If you asked me if he was "The Real Deal,"

I'd have to say yes.

You don't get what I'm saying?

Tatsuya. Koji. Come here.

I'll show you.

If he stopped obsessing over movies, and action and whatever...

If he ever wanted to join us, and work on our side of the fence,

our doors would be wide open.

That's how highly I value him.

I'd beat him, if it was in the ring.

If the rules were clear.

But if we were on the street,

fighting for real,

we'd have to keep going until one of us died.

Okay. Come at me for real.

I told you to come for real.

You guys are pathetic.

When I say for real, I mean for real.

Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is:

I want to train my co-stars in "Realism Action,"

and make a "100% Pure Action Film."

I guarantee I'll make it!

When it's ready, come interview me again.

Scene 78,

Take 15!

Ready...

Action!

Heave ho!

Switch!

Take this!

Take this!

Sorry.

This won't work in one take.

I'll do some close-ups.

Cut!

Amazing!

Way to go, Junpei.

Let's get you some water.

Dumb it down for him.

Aren't you a pro?

Toshiro's keeping quiet today.

It's his first film in ages. He can't screw up.

If Mr. Shin didn't get him this gig for old time's sake,

we wouldn't be here either.

You're so right.

I'm an action film actor.

It's been so long, I nearly forgot.

Actor?

You're just a stuntman.

Idiot.

Hey. That cuts deep.

Tatsuya, this looks bad...

- No way. - Where's Mr. Shin?

We have to find him!

What did you just say?

I didn't say a thing.

Know what?

I've heard the rumors.

You think everyone else's action work is pathetic.

You say it's just dancing.

So you think I'm pathetic too?

I learned how to direct in Hong Kong. They call me "Sir Tony."

And you still think I'm pathetic?

No, I don't.

You think wire action is just people whizzing around?

It's all a joke to you?

Never crossed my mind.

Listen up.

Why do people watch action films? It's not for the realism.

All they want is fantasy.

If it's flashy and cool, they're happy!

There's a word for what you do.

"Niche."

What's this film?

"Mainstream."

Are we clear?

Toshiro?

Hey!

You listening?

What's bugging you so much?

Aren't you playing the middle boss in this film?

It's not a bad role at all.

Right?

I must admit.

BIRTH was a hit.

The DVDs sold well. You went to all the festivals.

But when was that?

10 years ago.

The world's changed since then.

I know.

Of course, I know you well.

You're Mr. Stoic.

You're always training and building your repertoire.

What's that thing you do?

It's called something... murder?

"Assassination-jutsu."

Everyone respects how you developed that "Wave" discipline of yours.

But you know.

That makes no difference here.

Who cares if it feels like a dance?

Just hurry up and get the scene done.

Isn’t that what makes you a professional?

- Yeah. - Mr. Takuma, you're on!

Hey!

Old dude, wait up!

Yeah, you.

Old dude in the fuzzy clothes.

Aren't you the guy from BIRTH?

I am.

I knew it.

I saw it so long ago, I don't remember much of it.

But I know you pursue realism. That's lit.

And I know that thing you do. Goes like this.

- That "Tornado" thing. - It's "Wave."

- "Wave"? - "Wave."

Your "Wave" thing. That's lit, too.

But guess what.

I'm a martial artist, too. So, when we're rolling--

Tell me.

What's the difference between "Martial Arts" and "Action"?

Scene 85, Take 1.

Ready...

Action!

Cut, cut, cut!

That's not how we rehearsed it.

Let's go once more.

Once more.

Sorry.

Take a break.

Sure. Good idea.

Let's take a break!

- That's it. Goodbye. - Goodbye.

Wait!

I'm Akira.

I joined Toshiro's team just a few months ago.

But before I knew it,

I was his only apprentice.

When I found the training too hard and nearly gave up, Toshiro told me:

"When life gets tough, turn the other cheek.

Even if your tears are streaming down it."

There are many martial artists in the world,

but only one in every hundred are able to master their art.

They are the chosen ones.

They are the One-Percenters.

It's the tale of a man who goes all the way.

That poster...

There's a film I was supposed to shoot after BIRTH.

This is the teaser poster.

We'll use this as a motif for our new film.

New film?

That last shoot opened my eyes.

If I'm going to master "The Way of Real Action,"

I have to do it myself.

But that will be expensive. How will you finance it?

If we shoot one scene a day, it can be done.

You need a story and a script.

It's been in my head for the last ten years.

If I perform real action, that will be a drama in itself.

Now I think about it, it's been 10 years since BIRTH.

I pursued the Way of Real Action all alone, without much success.

But it's time I did what I want.

The gods have slapped me into action.

And I'm not alone now.

I have you.

Let's do it.

Let's make an authentic real action film!

"This film isn't just about unfinished business.

I'm going to display all the techniques I perfected over the past 10 years!"

So Toshiro swore.

The first is "Wave."

You should never punch with just your fists.

Stretch your shoulder blades and roll them to emit a wave-like blow.

With Wave, you don't need to wind up a punch.

It even works at "zero range."

Give it to me.

Now let's show you a real Wave punch.

Here goes.

Films need an ideal location.

With a great location, great ideas flow.

It helps you get a great cast and crew too.

I ran around pitching like my life depended on it.

Today's lesson is for pros. "Dodging Bullets with Wave."

Did you say "Bullet"?

Like from a gun?

Shoot at me with all you have.

Of course, nobody can dodge a bullet after it's fired.

But if you watch closely, you can tell when they'll shoot.

Their eyes dart.

When you nail that, you use Wave to move just in time.

You shift your "median plane."

Idiot!

Who shoots with their eyes closed? You grazed my cheek.

Now it's your turn.

Median plane.

Median plane.

Median plane.

Median plane.

Median plane.

BIRTH.

Let me be frank. That was a great film.

Thinking about it now, it's one of Japan's greatest cult films ever.

But it was ahead of its time.

Let me be frank. Despite how I look, I'm a film buff.

So, I really am interested in this new film of yours.

Thank you.

But be careful. Locations can be expensive.

It's all about the money.

What's your budget?

Well, let me be frank...

Stop wasting my time.

Mr. Kanda!

Mr. Kanda...

Everyone has turned us down.

I have nobody else to turn to.

Please!

Now that you mention it,

one place does come to mind.

If I can be frank.

Let me be frank. You won't find many locations better than this.

It used to be a zinc factory, built before the war.

Surprisingly enough, it was still running until just a few years ago.

Of course, there's no electricity. No cell phone reception either.

But let me be frank.

It has a few issues.

I'll need the introduction fee up front.

Non-cancelable. Non-refundable. No matter what.

Be frank. Like it?

Hey, start recording.

Yes sir!

Huh?

Give me more!

More!

You must act divinely!

This film is the tale of a man who challenges the gods.

We're portraying karma!

Fight like you're dancing!

Try basing it on...

I know!

The Nutcracker.

They really are dancing.

Cut, cut, cut!

Brothers!

What a coincidence.

Who do we have here?

I've got this.

What are you doing here?

- What about you? - Exactly as it looks.

I'm shooting a storyboard.

It's a Chinese-funded blockbuster. With a simultaneous worldwide release.

And the director is the one and only...

Ta-da!

Kinameri Sunao.

Don't tell me... You know Kinameri Sunao, right?

At the Montreal World Film Festival he was--

Nope.

Sorry.

No, no.

I'm getting the sense that fellow and I live in completely different worlds.

More importantly, we have this island!

I absolutely love it!

Sign the final contract.

What do you mean by "Final contract"?

We came scouting for a location.

Then it's time to give up.

We've been in prep for six months through a coordinator called Kanda.

Kanda?

He screwed us.

The bigger surprise is that someone actually gave you a job.

Is it direct-to-video?

Streaming only?

Don't tell me...

It might be an indie film.

You're shooting an indie film?

Shut up!

Compared to that pansy's dance film,

my Real Action film is a million times more fun.

Okay, I like this place. We're definitely gonna shoot here.

Stop screwing around.

We got here first.

Keep moving.

Give up!

Come here!

Come with us!

Well, well.

Am I seeing things?

- Check it out. - Yes sir.

Let's go.

- Go with him! - Yes sir.

I'm calling the cops.

Don't be an idiot! There's no reception!

Huh?

If I make it out alive...

If you make it out alive,

this experience will bring your film to life like no other.

This might be our film's greatest chance ever.

Toshiro.

You don't get the reality!

Films are fiction.

Make-believe. Get it?

Hey.

Let's flee while we can.

Okay.

Film the whole thing.

I will!

Come on!

Move it!

You traitor!

You swore loyalty to my father!

The old man's dead.

The moral code no longer applies.

Tell me.

Where are the goods?

Spit it out!

You can act tough.

But wasting time will only make things worse.

I had a call from my guy in Tokyo.

Arachnid are headed for this island.

- Arachnid? - Yeah.

If we don't leave soon, we're all in trouble.

Spit it out!

Where are the goods?

Who the hell are you?

Listen up.

When you knock them down,

if they get back up, it's not enough.

Toshiro!

Don't worry.

I'm just knocking him out.

I could kill you right now.

But I won't.

Know why?

Because I'm an action film actor.

I knew it.

He's insane.

What do we do now?

Our boat comes later tonight.

Until then, we'll hide near the shore,

and hang in there.

What are you doing here?

Who are you?

No way!

No damn way!

This guy is insane!

Koji!

This way, Koji!

Wait.

They'll hear us.

Didn't you say nobody comes to this island?

They have nowhere to hide.

Let's just get this done.

Let's go.

My name's Maria.

My father was Chairman of Kurokawa-kai, the organized crime syndicate.

He passed away a few days ago from a sudden illness.

The in-fighting began right away.

They're fighting over my father's inheritance.

That's why they're here?

Yes.

But it's not money.

His inheritance is the two tons of cocaine he hid on this island.

Cocaine?

Yes.

Well, your friends have arrived.

Oh my.

What's this?

Uncle Takenouchi, stop spewing such crap.

I'm telling the truth.

A stranger came in punching.

He took out everyone.

Are you telling me...

Jackie Chan's here?

I'm not lying.

Believe me.

His henchmen all say the same thing.

There's a boogeyman here?

That's a bit hard to believe.

What about Maria?

Where is she?

I think... he has her...

He's spoken.

Right.

Takenouchi...

I brought all my guns thinking you and I would have a war.

But this has ended so easily.

Thanks to Jackie.

Wait.

Shishido...

Please.

When you arrive in hell,

say hi to the old man for me.

This is getting interesting.

Time to go.

Who are those guys?

"Arachnid" is Shishido's private army.

He recruits retired commandos with no place to go.

They're an assassination squad.

They did all of Kurokawa-kai's dirty work.

But a few years ago, my father started worrying Shishido was out of control.

He cut all ties.

Shishido has hated my father ever since.

He's been waiting to take vengeance upon Kurokawa-kai.

And the brat?

Regroup with the squad outside,

then split into three teams and start combing the building.

Our targets are the chairman's daughter and the mysterious guy.

Assume the mysterious guy has combatant training.

Exert caution.

Don't harm Maria.

If she gets even one scratch,

I'll gouge your eyes out.

Daddy...

I think you should watch out.

Not even the real Jackie could do this.

Right.

This way.

As it turns out, he was the real deal.

- What? - Yes.

Where can we hide on such a small island?

We'll get caught before long.

If we're gonna die anyway...

You know what?

Those were my thoughts exactly.

- Hey. - Cut it out.

What are you guys talking about?

Sorry, Tony.

Thank you!

Let's go.

Hey!

Wait!

For real?

BIRTH?

I know that film.

My father watched it so many times.

Now it makes sense.

I thought I'd seen you somewhere.

Happened a long time ago.

Hide here for a while.

What about you?

They're professional killers.

This needs a professional response.

Assassination-jutsu?

For us to get out alive, they must be taken out as quickly as possible.

I need to do this alone.

Okay?

What happened, Team Wesley?

Do you copy?

Do you copy, Team Wesley?

Team Wesley, do you copy?

Can you hear me?

I can.

So you're Shishido?

I don't believe we've met,

Jackie Chan.

Jackie? I think I prefer Bruce Lee.

I don't have time to play with military cosplaying yakuza.

Who exactly are you?

Are you a syndicate hitman?

Or a law enforcement officer?

Neither of those, actually.

Then could you try minding your own business?

I hate it when my men get injured for nothing!

I live up to my fans' expectations. That's my job.

Fans?

I look forward to seeing you later. Bye.

Wait. Don't switch off.

How do you know Maria?

At least tell me that.

Like I said. She's a fan.

Huh?

What are you...

Daddy, did you hear that?

Of course, I did.

Then you know.

Find that Kung Fu freak and slaughter him.

Roger.

Sensei.

Team Alvin, Team Mickey, maintain your distance!

We're coming!

Judging by his handiwork, he's a mercenary or an assassin.

But he didn't finish them off.

Who the hell is he?

Jackie...

Men.

You can leave now, with no pay. You have three seconds.

Three.

Two.

As for their pay,

it just got added to yours.

Keep quiet.

Sorry about that.

I heard a noise and came to check.

Don't leave me alone again.

I used to get bullied so badly.

It started in grade school.

I hated going to school so much,

I even contemplated suicide.

I wanted to be like the action stars you see in movies.

I wanted to live as strong as they did.

I just had to get stronger.

Even someone like you went through something like that.

I was so desperate to get stronger, I armed myself with all the techniques.

But after a while I started thinking, "What's the point of being strong?"

Maybe not completely, but I think I understand.

I've lived with prejudice my whole life.

I was always surrounded by menacing men.

That's why I tried so hard.

I had to follow the right path. More than anyone else.

But that's not natural.

One day I realized,

I had no idea who I really was.

I wonder where they are.

Our real selves.

You think he's here?

Yes, I can sense someone.

Keep your eyes open.

Will do.

They're on our side.

You're safe now.

Aren't we escaping together?

I still have some unfinished business.

So...

Sorry.

Toshiro?

Who are you?

What's that smell?

It used to be a zinc factory.

Really?

It stinks.

- Tell me. - Yes?

This island was still running until a few years ago, right?

That's what I've heard.

Got a lighter?

Jackie!

Hey!

Daddy, I hope you like fireworks.

What was that?

Look.

Let's go.

Tell us where Jackie went.

Jackie?

Who's that?

Come with us. Shishido's waiting.

- No! - Don't make this difficult.

Get back!

Tony!

Don't yell before you attack.

Hey.

Stop it!

We'll do as you say.

I'll tell you where the cocaine is. Just don't kill him!

Really?

Maria's there?

Is that Jackie's?

I'm Shishido's daughter, Ami.

Nice to meet you.

I've heard of you.

Don't kill them.

Of course not.

Toshiro will definitely get you.

You'll see.

Mr. Shishido.

Look.

What the hell is this?

Everything is in service of my films.

I'm an action film actor.

So, Maria...

How did you like your dad?

My father...

I love my daddy.

He does whatever I ask.

But...

He made two mistakes.

Know what he did?

He killed my mom in an accident.

That's when I lost my leg.

That's his first mistake.

The second one is...

He created someone like me.

Let's go.

Here?

I'm not sure, but my father said it was in this warehouse.

Oh, no.

My daddy will be so disappointed.

But I don't care.

To be honest, I don't care about the cocaine.

My true goal is...

Maria, it's you.

We're both the daughters of murderers.

It's not our fault.

Kids can't choose their parents.

All I wanted was someone who understood.

I just wanted a friend.

You know how I feel.

Right?

How many people have you killed?

You're insane!

You're a lunatic who kills for fun!

It's not just your father.

You're the same.

Don't say that.

I thought you of all people would understand.

Ami!

What's wrong?

It's nothing.

What happened to your face?

Did Jackie get you?

We were annihilated.

He wiped everybody out.

That stupid action film actor.

What is he?

An action film actor.

So, he really was Jackie Chan.

Anyway, where are the goods?

Daddy, this is a bit hard to say, but...

It looks like old Kurokawa duped us.

Huh? What's going on?

Gotta admire the old guy.

Do you know what that means?

Without the goods,

we are done for!

Tell me.

What's going on?

I don't know. I just...

Stop it, Daddy.

It must be somewhere on this island.

Dead or alive,

I'll drag you around until we find it!

Stop it, Daddy.

I told you to stop!

Shut up!

Ami...

That was your fault.

I told you to stop.

You said you'd do whatever I asked.

Liar.

You're Jackie?

I came, just as I promised.

One thing first.

If you're after the cocaine, it's not here.

You're not even close.

You want to be a hero and save Maria?

Wrong again.

Then I've no idea at all.

Tell me why you're here.

If you want a real answer...

I don't know myself.

He makes no sense.

This is too much.

Deal with him, Sensei.

Why are you guys hitting it off?

This isn't an action flick, asshole.

Daddy,

is this...

I see.

He stashed it in the plaster.

The old man thought that one through.

The credits are already rolling.

You shitty actor.

Toshiro!

Akira, why are you here?

I made myself a promise.

No matter what,

I'd always follow in your footsteps.

But now,

just this once, can I take a step forward?

Let me say this.

It is time for you to change.

I remember when you told me about the "One-Percenters."

Those who've gone all the way.

If you want to become one,

you must change.

You must allow yourself to do that which you never did before.

Allow what?

Akira, what are you saying?

Kill her.

You did not train in your disciplines to kill people.

I know that.

However...

However...

You cannot die at the hands of trash like these.

That must not happen.

Akira,

stop it!

Some people deserve to die.

Stop it!

- Stop it! - Go all the way!

Do it.

Stop it!

Then I'll be your catalyst.

Come on. Shoot me.

You stupid brat!

Okay.

Guys that hit girls are scum.

Cut!

The next shot will be Ami's last dying breath.

Art department, please get the blood ready.

The cast can take a short break.

Way to go, Toshiro.

That's the face of a man "gone all the way."

You had my blood curdling.

Mr. Shin, I was thinking.

I'm okay with Akira getting killed, and killing Ami in return.

But I think we could take it somewhere else, too.

- Akira? - That would've been fine back in BIRTH.

But this time around, we could take a deeper look into their psyche.

What are you talking about? This is an action movie.

Kill the bad guy at the end, and everyone's happy.

But if Akira gets killed, using that as a trigger feels a little--

Toshiro!

Who is this Akira you keep talking about?

Toshiro.

Toshiro!

Toshiro!

If you kill her, you'll be no different from them.

Akira?

Akira?

Akira!

Tatsuya, Koji. Nice timing.

I can't find Akira anywhere.

See? It's just like we said.

He really does believe it's true.

That he has a third trainee?

Yes.

Toshiro calls him "Akira."

I think he created this figure,

because it was the only way he could maintain his mental balance.

He did it because he had to.

It's the tale of a man who goes all the way.

I'm not alone now. I have you.

You grazed my cheek.

Please!

He screwed us.

The in-fighting began.

Okay?

Don't leave me alone again.

Yes.

Toshiro was alone from the first time I saw him.

When did I sense something was wrong?

I didn't sense anything at all.

But I was scared for my life, and I was panicking...

If Toshiro wasn't there, I wouldn't have made it out alive.

I'll be in his debt forever.

Sure.

The fact he was scouting alone was a bit weird.

But it's not totally unheard of in the industry nowadays.

When did he start getting weird?

I don't know.

Probably from the day he was born.

Sorry.

Yes.

When we arrived,

Toshiro was just... standing there.

He was totally out of it.

It's like he has no memory.

Or maybe it's more like he alters his memory.

Like I said,

he didn't do anything wrong.

He saved the day.

So, why?

Why keep hounding him?

Takuma Toshiro.

This is how you described your own actions:

"I just played my part."

Is that right?

You also said this:

"There were strong people and bad people, and they were all in the same place.

That's all it was."

When you say "strong people" are you talking about yourself?

You're an actor.

An action film actor, right?

From here on, I'll give you my personal opinion.

Toshiro,

I think you enjoyed it.

You got to act like a movie superhero, for real.

But you know what?

Movies aren't real life.

You're only strong in your movies because that's how you're portrayed.

If you lose, it's over.

You die. That's what happens in reality.

For a person to be strong in a film,

they must be strong in real life.

Huh?

A One-Percenter.

Real action film actors are

strong.

SAKAGUCHI TAK

ACTION DIRECTOR SONOMURA KENSUKE

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OTA TAKAYUKI

WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY YAMAGUCHI YUDAI