Noriko Sakai movie details revealed

It was just announced that the Noriko Sakai (38) case is being turned into a movie, but a press conference held on Wednesday clarified some details. The biggest announcement was that the lead actress was changed at the last moment.

Titled “Setsuna,” the film is being directed by Masao Kasahara and is based on entertainment reporter Masaru Nashimoto’s book “Sakai Noriko: Kakusareta Sugao.” It will have a documentary touch, with the main character being a reporter for a fictional weekly magazine. There are said to be no plans for either Sakai herself or another actress to play Sakai in the movie.

Initial reports had said that the lead would be played by a former Takarazuka top star, but the name had not been revealed. At the press conference, the production company said that the actress suddenly backed out of the project on Wednesday and is being replaced by Shion Machida (37). Several newspapers are reporting that the original choice was former Snow Troupe otokoyaku Yu Emao (42).

Kasahara stated that he is aiming to have the film be about 90 minutes in length. “Setsuna” is planned for release in late January.

Source:
Sponichi Annex