Toei Unveils Takashi Miike's Gripping Crime Thriller 'Sham' at AFM!

Well, grab your popcorn and hold onto your seats, because it seems the iconic provocateur of Japanese cinema, Takashi Miike, is back with yet another trend-bending project that’s sure to ignite conversations and perhaps even a few eye-rolls. In a world where truth is often stranger than fiction, Miike has decided to dive headfirst into the murky waters of journalistic investigation for his latest feature, aptly titled Sham.

Now, for those of you who aren’t already in the loop, let me paint you a picture: Sham is no run-of-the-mill drama. It’s based on the riveting 2007 tome by journalist and erstwhile detective, Masumi Fukuda. Her book, Fabrication: The Truth About The ‘Murder Teacher’ in Fukuoka, takes a scalpel to a sensational court case that spiraled into a media frenzy. Imagine this: a teacher accused of bullying a student to the edge, only for the accusations to unravel like a cheap sweater at trial—turns out the whole thing was more fabricated than a Hollywood blockbuster!

Okay, let’s pause for a moment and appreciate that Fukuda's gripping narrative not only won the esteemed Shincho Literary Award but also made quite a splash with a sales figure that would make every novelist green with envy—200,000 copies! Talk about a plot thick enough to slice!

Produced by Toei, this cinematic rollercoaster is currently in post-production after filming wrapped up in August and September. Japanese audiences can anticipate its release next year. Toei tantalizingly describes Sham as a “drama crime thriller” that delves into humanity’s moral abyss. A bit melodramatic? Perhaps. But let’s be honest, isn’t that what keeps us glued to our seats, popcorn in hand?

Now, for those who might not be familiar with Miike’s cinematic repertoire, let’s just say he’s directed over 100 film, TV, and video productions in his illustrious career. His previous works, like Audition, Ichi The Killer, and 13 Assassins, show us he has a penchant for weaving tales that both thrill and chill. And let’s not forget his two appearances in the Cannes Competition—he’s practically a veteran at turning heads and raising eyebrows! The man also has a new feature called Blue Fight in the pipeline, set to hit Japanese cinemas in early 2025. It seems this cinematic sage has no intention of slowing down!

So get ready, dear readers. Whether you’re a fan of scandal-ridden thrillers or simply enjoy watching the moral fabric unravel before your eyes, Sham promises to be a feast for both the curious and the jaded. Let’s just hope it doesn’t turn out to be just another case of all sizzle and no steak!