We asked film producer Sato Gen what makes a film that really touches the heart.

What words do filmmakers use to describe the indescribable, deeply moving experience of a movie? We asked film producer Gen Sato about it.

photo: Kazuharu Igarashi / text: Ichico Enomoto

From planning to budget management and even releasing the finished film to the world, producers are responsible for a variety of tasks related to filmmaking, and can be said to have full authority over the work. How do producers, who have full authority over the work, perceive a film as moving? Sato, who has worked on numerous films, says there is no formula for making a film that will move the viewer.

However, Sato's "100 Yen Love" was remade as "YOLO: One Hundred Yen Love," directed and starring popular Chinese actor Jia Lin, and became a huge hit, grossing a whopping 74 billion yen at the box office.

"100 Yen Love" '14/Japan
Kazuko, who leads a self-indulgent life, starts working at a 100-yen shop, falls in love with a middle-aged boxer, and starts boxing herself. Adachi Shin's original screenplay is adapted into a film by director Take Masaharu. Sakura Ando 's performance as the tragic heroine is touching.

"You could feel the respect for the original version, and Jia Lin's sincerity came through. I think that's because Sakura Ando 's acting, which warms our hearts no matter how many times we watch it, also touched the Chinese filmmakers." As a producer, have you ever thought that now is the time to make a film like this?

"Of course, we consider the mood of the times and what the audience wants, but we don't start planning from there. The situation can change between the time of planning and the time of release."

For example, "We Can't Change the World" was conceived against the backdrop of the modern climate in which the world looks different when young people who are complacent about peace take action, but while the film was awaiting release, the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred. The world was thrown into a mood where everyone had to do something about Japan. It wasn't an easy task, but what is important to him is, "To strike a chord with the audience, first you need to strike a chord with yourself. And then you need to think about what you want to leave behind as a creator through your work. I think that's important."

The film that touches Sato's heart is "Stand by Me." It's no surprise that it's also a favorite of director Adachi Shin, who also directed "Small Fish, Be Ambitious!"

"We can't change the world." '11/Sun
A university student trying to build an elementary school in Cambodia faces a harsh reality. Director Kenta Fukasaku has adapted this film from the memoir of the same name.
Currently streaming on the Prime Video channel "Toei On Demand." www.amazon.co.jp/channels/toeich 
"You little fry, be ambitious!" '22/Japan
This is a coming-of-age ensemble drama about seven ordinary elementary school students living in a rural town. The adult roles are captivating, including Nagase Masatoshi as the troubled father. Director Adachi Shin, who studied under Shinji Somai created this long-awaited project based on a script he received praise for more than 20 years ago.

Sato Gen thinks, The true nature of "sinking"

It gets both the creators and the audience excited.

Film producer Gen Sato

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