Television aficionados can tune in to the engaging program "Kato Hiroji and Yoshihiro no Sunday Cinema," airing every Sunday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM on BS10. This unique show highlights the dynamic relationship between the renowned entertainer Kato Hiroji and film writer Yoshihiro Masamichi, both of whom are celebrated for their passion for cinema. Together, they recommend an array of films while providing insightful commentary to help viewers appreciate the art of storytelling.
In the upcoming episode scheduled for March 23, 2025, the duo will delve into the thrilling world of Formula 1 racing by discussing the riveting 1976 race as depicted in the movie "Rush/Pride and Friendship." Following this, on April 6, 2025, they will explore the adrenaline-pumping rescue film "Ice Road," celebrated for its thrilling narrative by the scriptwriter of the iconic "Armageddon." These films showcase not just the excitement but the groundbreaking storytelling that captivates audiences today.
During a recent discussion, the two film enthusiasts shared their thoughts on what it takes to craft an entertaining movie. Kato emphasized the critical importance of a well-structured script, quality actors, and thoughtful editing. "A good screenplay is fundamental; it boils down to that," Kato remarked, encapsulating the essence of cinematic success. Likewise, Yoshihiro concurred, underscoring that even if a film features star actors, the screenplay must hold strong for it to be truly engaging. He noted, "I firmly believe that if the script isn't good, the movie won’t be interesting. The decline in Japan's cinematic appeal results from poor storytelling in scripts."
Yoshihiro elaborated on the issue, mentioning that adaptations of television series into films often alienate viewers who aren't familiar with the original shows. He articulated, "If the writing is good, it should engage people regardless of whether they watched the series. Notably, films like '96 Hours' remain captivating even when watched out of sequence due to their solid storytelling foundations. Thus, if a script falters, so does the film’s effectiveness.”
Kato echoed these sentiments by asserting, "Whether a comedy or an artistic piece, a solid script is critical. Good writing tends to elevate the entire production.” Both Kato and Yoshihiro noted memories of their time visiting Pixar Animation Studios, where the late John Lasseter would stress the same point: "Good films require great scripts, that’s all there really is to it.” For Kato, the script serves as the blueprint of a film, and its development often involves considerable time and financial investment, especially in Hollywood productions, a fact Yoshihiro found resonates with many viewers today.
As the program airs, Kato and Yoshihiro frequently dissect the films presented, focusing on script-related discussions. However, Yoshihiro admitted that while they delve into these crucial elements, they often prioritize more engaging topics to hold the audience’s interests. "We touch on the script, but it can veer into complicated territory," he joked.
Reflecting on how Kato developed his love for movies, he shared an anecdote that traces back to his childhood. I actually haven’t seen as many films as people think I have," Kato said modestly. Originally from Hokkaido, he reminisced about attending various movie theaters and watching films on television during festive seasons, recalling that classics like "Emmanuelle" and "Porky's" were regular features. It was around his second year in junior high school, when videos began to proliferate, that Kato became heavily influenced by friends with vast collections of films. "Finding friends who were movie buffs pushed me to watch more movies," he acknowledged.
He also recalled his experience working in a bar in Nakameguro, where patrons who noticed Kato's love for films challenged him, urging him to broaden his cinematic repertoire. "There was this regular who asked, 'Hey, have you seen all of Hitchcock’s films?' When I revealed I had only seen a few, he insisted, 'You need to watch them all!'" This interaction became pivotal, motivating Kato to explore various films. He humorously mentioned how he would rent three films every day after work, eventually discovering his passion for film directors.
"This experience wasn't burdensome; I genuinely enjoyed it," Kato confessed. Engaging conversations about films with fellow enthusiasts enhanced his love for cinema, laying the groundwork for his current career.
The duo exhibited a playful dynamic throughout their discussion. Kato admitted that while both enjoy films, their personal views diverge significantly. Yoshihiro laughed, describing how their roles shifted under the burden of making film criticism their profession. He hinted at evading the pressure of being overly critical, revealing a softer preference for beers and meal experiences. Kato understood, reflecting on the nuances of their film conversations that have blossomed from comprehensive movie reviews.
In the closing segment, Kato explained what they aim to achieve through their program: “For movie lovers or those who have a favorite actor, there are various motivations for watching films. After viewing a film, I hope viewers wonder, 'What do these guys think?' or 'How do they analyze this film?' I hope to provide a perspective that ignites discussion.”
Yoshihiro humorously reinforced Kato's statements, delighting in the casual nature of their conversations and how they often veer into unexpected territories. He remarked, "These discussions, while sometimes seemingly frivolous, can add necessary 'white space' in our viewers' lives. With the current climate, having unnecessary conversations is not just okay but essential." Kato joined in, underscoring that having dialogues without rigid structures is crucial for a balanced approach to life.
Ultimately, with the next episodes of "Kato Hiroji and Yoshihiro no Sunday Cinema" set to air, the hosts are dedicated to engaging audiences while enriching their viewing experience. They aspire that every episode serves as a gift of cinematic insight and enjoyment that resonates with both casual moviegoers and devoted cinephiles alike.
