Uzumasa Limelight 2014

In the storied Kyoto studio where tradition reigns supreme, Kamiyama Seiichi (Fukumoto Seizo) has spent four decades embodying the spirit of a “kirare-yaku” or “drop-dead” actor - a stalwart swordsman whose sole purpose is to meet his maker in every samurai film. For 40 years, he has shared the screen with Onoe Seijuro (Matsukata Hiroki), a hereditary kabuki actor and his predecessor’s son Kobayashi Nenji. When the studio abruptly cancels their beloved TV series, making way for a new period drama featuring younger talent, Kamiyama and his coterie of veteran extras face an uncertain future. As the once-mighty samurai is relegated to performing in sword demonstrations for awestruck tourists, he finds solace in honing his craft every night on the deserted sets. It is here that he is spotted by a young female extra, Iga Satsuki (Yamamoto Chihiro), who persuades him to take her under his wing as a swordplay pupil. As she ascends to stardom as a swordswoman, Kamiyama begins to confront the cruel reality of his own aging and eventual obsolescence. When it is decided to reunite Iga with Onoe in a new film based on their 40-year saga, she insists that Kamiyama be given a prominent “drop-dead” role, sparking a reluctant Kamiyama’s journey back to the spotlight. As he prepares for his swan-song, the studio’s enthusiasm is tempered only by the fear of failure, as Kamiyama must confront the possibility of faltering in his most iconic fight scene yet. With the director (Nakajima Sadao) eager to cut him loose and the young producer pushing him to perfection, Kamiyama’s ultimate showdown is a testament to his unwavering dedication and unshakeable spirit, culminating in a breathtaking finale that sees him fall amidst a kaleidoscope of cherry blossoms.