Isshin Inudo directs Seicho Matsumoto’s “Zero no Shoten”

Toho has revealed its 2009 lineup, and one of the biggest highlights is the announcement that the Seicho Matsumoto novel “Zero no Shoten” is being adapted to film for the second time, with director Isshin Inudo taking the helm.

Also known as “Zero Focus,” the book is one of Matsumoto’s more popular works. It was originally published in the late ’50s, then was made into a movie by Shochiku in 1961, directed by Yoshitaro Nomura and starring Yoshiko Kuga. The story centers around a newlywed woman whose husband fails to return from a business trip. When she begins a search, she becomes entangled in a murder case that her missing husband may have been involved with.

Inudo’s version is reportedly staying true to the original work, and it will be set in the same era. Casting is currently in the final stages, while filming is already set to begin in February. Toho is aiming for a fall 2009 release.

One other notable announcement by Toho was “Nakumonka,” also scheduled for the fall. The movie reunites the team of director Nobuo Mizuta, screenwriter Kankuro Kudo, and lead actor Sadao Abe, who all worked together previously in last year’s comedy “Maiko Haaaan!!!”

Source:
Sankei Sports