Takashi Miike's action-horror-comedy-martial arts "Yakuza Apocalypse" will face the end of the world in the West, as Samuel Goldwyn Films has acquired North American rights.
Samuel Goldwyn has announced that the company has acquired North American rights to the comedic-vampire-action-thriller "Yakuza Apocalypse" from legendary Japanese director Takashi Miike (Ichi the Killer, Audition).
The movie premiered at the 2015 Cannes International Film Festival and it will screen as part of the Midnight Madness sidebar at next month's Toronto Film Festival. Samuel Goldwyn Films is planning an October 9 release in the U.S.
Peter Goldwyn of Samuel Goldwyn Films said in a statement: "Taskashi Miike is a master of this genre and we are excited to bring his latest film, a sort of return to his origins, out to North American audiences. The film is an exciting mix of gangster-vampire action that only Miike can deliver."
In "Yakuza Apocalypse," a powerful yakuza boss also happens to be a vampire recognizes no restraints.He was defeated by members of a rival yakuza organization who were angry at his hunting habits.He passed his powers on to his second in command, Kageyama. Kageyama then planned out to avenge his mentor's death. He battled with a shady and powerful foreign crime syndicate and became the new yakuza overlord.
The film stars Hayato Ichihara, Yayan Ruhian ("The Raid" and "The Raid 2") and Lily Franky. The filmmaker directs from a script by Yoshitaka Yamaguchi. Producers are Yoshinori Chiba, Shinichiro Masuda, Shinjiro Nishimura and Misako Saka. The deal was negotiated by Nate Bolotin of XYZ Films on behalf of the filmmakers, and by Ian Puente, VP and General Counsel, on behalf of Samuel Goldwyn Films.
Filmmaker Takashi Miike stated: "I wonder if it's really okay to let this film loose outside of Japan. As it's not anything anyone can deal with on their own, it's best to watch with friends."
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