Sun, October 28, 2007 (7:21pm EDT)
Akira Kurosawa's 1958 film "The Hidden Fortress" ("Kakushi Toride no San Akunin") is getting a remake, directed by special effects specialist Shinji Higuchi. This version will star Arashi member Jun Matsumoto in his first jidaigeki role, with a supporting cast that includes popular actress Masami Nagasawa.
The original film starred Toshiro Mifune as the defeated general Rokurota trying to secretly escort a princess and her wealth to safety. Along the way, he is joined in the journey by two peasants. In Higuchi's version, the story's protagonist is the peasant Takezo (played by Matsumoto), rather than the general.
Masami Nagasawa plays the role of the princess, while Hiroshi Abe plays Rokurota. According to Sports Hochi, comedian Daisuke Miyagawa is also part of the cast, and Kazuki Nakashima is handling the adaptation of the script.
The movie reportedly has a budget of 1.5 billion yen. Filming starts next month and lasts until the end of the year, with theatrical release set for May 10, 2008.
The original film starred Toshiro Mifune as the defeated general Rokurota trying to secretly escort a princess and her wealth to safety. Along the way, he is joined in the journey by two peasants. In Higuchi's version, the story's protagonist is the peasant Takezo (played by Matsumoto), rather than the general.
Masami Nagasawa plays the role of the princess, while Hiroshi Abe plays Rokurota. According to Sports Hochi, comedian Daisuke Miyagawa is also part of the cast, and Kazuki Nakashima is handling the adaptation of the script.
The movie reportedly has a budget of 1.5 billion yen. Filming starts next month and lasts until the end of the year, with theatrical release set for May 10, 2008.
Sun, October 28, 2007 (6:02pm EDT)
Former Morning Musume member Maki Goto ended her tour on Sunday with a show at Saitama's Sonic City. During the concert, she revealed that she is graduating from Hello! Project. The news comes barely a week after her younger brother Yuki was arrested for theft.
Yuki turned himself into the police on October 20, admitting that he and accomplices broke into a construction site in July to steal one million yen worth of electric cable.
Right after the incident became public, Goto and her management had a discussion. Because of the trouble caused by the scandal, and disagreements over the direction of Goto's career, it was decided that she would no longer be a part of Hello! Project. She will continue her solo career, but hopes to become a serious music artist rather than just an idol. She is reportedly remaining with Up-Front Agency.
Yuki turned himself into the police on October 20, admitting that he and accomplices broke into a construction site in July to steal one million yen worth of electric cable.
Right after the incident became public, Goto and her management had a discussion. Because of the trouble caused by the scandal, and disagreements over the direction of Goto's career, it was decided that she would no longer be a part of Hello! Project. She will continue her solo career, but hopes to become a serious music artist rather than just an idol. She is reportedly remaining with Up-Front Agency.
