The 1929 novel "Kanikousen" by Takiji Kobayashi is being re-adapted as a film. Director SABU is helming the picture, and Ryuhei Matsuda has been chosen for the starring role.

The original novel, which depicted the proletarian struggle of abused workers on a crab-canning ship, saw a revival of interest this year and went on to sell an additional 600,000 copies so far in 2008. It was previously turned into a movie in 1953, directed by and starring Sou Yamamura, and recently it was adapted as a manga.

SABU said that his take on the story would focus less on social critique, opting instead for a more entertaining, pop sensibility, filled with black humor. He further mentioned that the film is not set in any specific era, though it will have a modern pop influence in its costumes and design, including capsule hotel-like beds aboard the ship. SABU is also planning to use CG for the film.

Filming for "Kanikousen" starts at the end of this month. Release is scheduled for 2009, and there are plans for international distribution and participation in film festivals.