The premiere of the highly anticipated movie 'The Forgotten Boy' took place on the 18th at Shinjuku Piccadilly, Tokyo, featuring actor Ryuta Bandō alongside co-stars Nanase Nishino and Kaho Minami, and director Yū Sakamoto. This film explores the powerful theme of grief through the story of Akira Morishita (played by Bandō), who faces overwhelming sorrow after losing his fiancée, Miki, to a tragic accident.
During the event, Bandō expressed his disbelief at the large audience present. "When we were shooting, I was solely focused on my character, thinking about how to create something beautiful, but I never imagined this kind of scenery. I’m overwhelmed with emotions seeing so many people here today," he said, flashing his trademark smile.
The film presents Akira's transformation and healing process through grief care, detailing how he learns to cope and communicate with others who have faced similar tragedies. Reflecting on his role, Bandō shared, "Reading the script filled me with the weight of responsibility, as each character's background and life truly needed to resonate with the audience. It was as if I were embarking on a strange, transformative trip, climbing various mountains of emotion throughout the process."
Nishino's role as Miki, who appears almost as a ghostly presence, brought unique challenges. "There are not many roles where you barely communicate vocally as I did here. I found it simply intriguing and felt enthusiastic about being part of something impactful," she explained. Bandō admired the connection he felt with Nishino, admitting, "I pictured her for the role and was astonished when the director confirmed she was chosen. It’s incredible how the imagined perfectly aligned with reality!"
Minami also took time to appreciate Bandō's portrayal of Akira, stating, "From the first read, Bandō-kun showed immense naturalness and transparency. He isn’t just another handsome face; there’s depth there. We were able to engage and exchange energy wonderfully," she praised, emphasizing the creative synergy they shared.
After experiencing the film together as part of the audience, Bandō wrapped up with heartfelt remarks, instructing attendees to share the film with their loved ones. "I hope after watching it, the warmth stays with you, encouraging you to recommend it to those dear to you who might resonate with it. We’ve created something meant to linger positively within your hearts," Bandō concluded, showcasing his dedication to the film's message of hope and healing.
'The Forgotten Boy' stands as Bandō's first leading role, and with the talented ensemble, it promises to be not just another film about grief, but rather, it marks the beginning of Bandō's evolution as a prominent figure in the cinematic world, exploring themes deeply human and impactful.