Odagiri Joe is set to captivate audiences with his latest film, "Natsu no Suna no Ue" (On the Summer Sand), which is slated for release on July 4. The film, adapted from the award-winning play by playwright and director Matsuda Masataka, dives deep beneath the surface of sorrow and redemption, exploring the complex emotions of its characters.
Odagiri, who serves as both the film's lead and co-producer, takes on the poignant role of Koora Osamu, a man paralyzed by grief after the loss of his young son. His wife, Keiko, portrayed by the talented Matsutaka, wrestles with her own feelings of betrayal, which prevent her from reconnecting with Osamu. Accompanying the cast is Takaishi Akari, who plays Yuko, Osamu's 17-year-old niece, burdened with the absence of paternal affection.
Set against the backdrop of Nagasaki during the unyielding summer, the film captures both the beauty and struggle of its location. Several cast members, including Matsutaka and Mitsushima, expressed the unique challenges and experiences encountered during filming, which took place entirely in the historic city.
According to Odagiri, the script struck him instantly. He recalls, "The moment I read the script, I felt, 'This is going to be great!'" His enthusiasm not only led him to take on the role but also to help produce the film. He added, "Together with trusted co-stars and the best staff, we created something special amid Nagasaki's sweltering summer. I only injected some of my experiences to enrich the work without undermining Director Tamada's vision."
Takaishi echoed Odagiri's sentiments, noting, "Shooting in Nagasaki became incredibly valuable to me, akin to the time Yuko experienced. I found myself immersed to the point where the line between the work and reality blurred."
Director Tamada’s adaptation showcases how the dialogue artfully depicts unavoidable pain and existential emptiness, climaxing with the notion of life persistently moving forward. He mentioned, "This work has remained special to me, transitioning from mere text to film interwoven with Nagasaki’s vibrant essence."
The ensemble cast brings together various talents, including Naotaro Moriyama, who features as Jinno, and Ken Mitsuishi as Mochida, both of whom worked at the shipyard alongside Osamu. Their contributions are well-touted by the director, who said they enhanced the film's narrative significantly.
Commenting on her experience, Matsutaka reminisced about the nostalgia of shooting under Nagasaki's sun, praising the hard work of the staff who transformed the film's vision from script to screen. She reflected, "Though we were all drenched with sweat, we trekked through the movie's world with ambition, which added depth to our work." Her insights underline the collaboration and enthusiasm present among the cast and crew, as they navigated the arduous process of film production.
Also participating is Mitsushima, who plays Osamu's sister, who makes rash decisions, leaving Yuko momentarily frightened. Mitsushima shared her character's complexity, attempting to balance the freedom her character desires with the responsibilities she unceremoniously abandons.
Looking forward, Odagiri is eager for viewers to experience the emotions captured on screen. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with such exceptional actors and emphasized the importance of nurturing the artistic aspects throughout the process.
Through its compelling narrative and richly portrayed character dynamics, "Natsu no Suna no Ue" aspires to reach audiences far beyond Japan's borders. The film's exploration of love, loss, and renewal along with the breathtaking locale promises to resonate with viewers, making it one of the must-see films of the summer.