Biographical

Satoshi -A Move for Tomorrow-

聖の青春

Directed by: Yoshitaka Mori
2016 / 124 minutes / Recommended for aged 12+

日本語の解説は映画.comへ

MORE THAN JUST A GAME

Screened as part of JFF 2017

Satoshi: A Move For Tomorrow is a biographical film about the life of Satoshi Murayama, a talented and passionate Shogi (Japanese chess) player who died of bladder cancer at 29. Murayama developed a serious kidney infection at the age of 5, which was when he first encountered shogi as a way to distract himself while confined in hospital. Shogi became his life-long passion and, alongside manga, was all he ever knew.

Portrayed by Kenichi Matsuyama (RageBunny Drop) with great intensity, Murayama spends the last four years of his life in the public eye, competing professionally for the title of meijin (champion). Away from the limelight, he fights a different struggle, battling a life-long ailment on his own and in secret from his friends and family.

After advancing to the professional league in his 20’s, Murayama moves from Osaka to Tokyo, determined to beat the reigning meijin, young shogi master Habu. Despite his worsening condition, Murayama’s fervent dedication to the game was so pure that he would risk death in pursuit of perfection.

Audience warning: This film contains mild themes.
Screens in:

Director: Yoshitaka Mori

Producers: Ryoko Nozoe, Yoshitaka Takeda, Takuro Nagai, Takeshi Kikuchi and Kazuto Takida

Original Story: Yoshio Osaki

Screenplay: Kosuke Mukai

Cast: Kenichi Matsuyama, Shota Sometani, Lily Franky, Ken Yasuda, Masahiro Higashide, Tokio Emoto and Michitaka Tsutsui

Genre: Biographical

Format: DCP colour