SSFF & ASIA 2014 Audience Award winner Yukinori Makabe’s debut feature film “I am a Monk” will begin screening on October 24!
Yukinori Makabe, who won the SSFF & ASIA 2014 Japan Competition Audience Award for his film “A piece of Dogu,” will finally release his debut feature film!
This is a frank and honest coming-of-age story about a young man who gradually finds meaning in a profession that he had expected to abandon. I am a Monk is optimistic and cheerful, punctuated by tragedies that serve as reminders of reality for the audience.The author of the work, Missei Shirakawa, quit his job in a book store at the age of 24 and moved to Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture where he began working as a priest at Eifuku-ji Temple, the 57th stop on the famed 88 temple Shikoku pilgrimage.
Shirakawa’s memoir, which is full of interesting episodes from a monk’s life, is to be read as a “comedy drama.” Because monks are also ordinary human beings, who experience distress, laughter and tears.
Synopsis:
After the death of his grandfather, 24-year-old Susumu inherits the mantle of Abbot at Eifuku-ji, a Buddhist temple in Shikoku. He faces the same challenges of anyone starting a new job: earning trust and respect, making important decisions, and even picking out new clothes. However, he doesn’t quite live up to his community’s expectations as a spiritual leader.
Director: Yukinori Makabe
Screenplay by: Kenya Hirata
Original story by: Missei Shirakawa (“I am a Monk” (Mishima Publishing Co.)
Music: Mamiko Hirai
Theme song: “Today,Tonight” by Yoshida Yamada (Pony Canyon Label)
Planning and Production: ROBOT
Production: “I am a Monk” Film Partners
Distributor: Phantom Film
Copyright: (C) 2015 “I am a Monk” Film Partners