DREAM STORY: Sakamoto, Shimomura, And Tanigaki Take The Helm For Yasuaki Kurata’s New Anthology Celebrating A Life Of Action
Venerated actor and martial arts star Yasuaki Kurata will next be seen in Koichi Sakamoto’s Ninja Wars: Blackfox VS Shogun’s Ninja this month. In the meantime, Kurata is also en route to complete an action-packed anthology of three short films under the title, Dream Story.
The project currently has two conceptual trailers filmed a few years ago, directed by Koji Nakamura and Masaaki Kurita, respectively. Both promos are available at the bottom of this article – as seen on the project’s Yell Rail campaign site – and lend a glimpse at the vision that Kurata and his team are going for.
The team in question? The aforementioned Sakamoto, as well as Yuji Shimomura, and Kenji Tanigaki, who are each directing an entry into Dream Story as announced on Friday. In addition, Hong Kong action laureate Sammo Hung will be making a cameo in at least one of the projects with Kurata, according to Comic Natalie on Friday, reuniting the two since appearing together in films like Eastern Condors (1987), Millionaires’ Express (1986), and Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars (1985).
Currently in production, three stories are interconnected in the film “Dream Story.” Yasuaki Kurata is pursuing the spirituality he has cultivated throughout his life and the “depth” that he can only express now. More details will be released sequentially, but each story is imbued with an intensity worthy of “etching the soul.”
The project’s launch comes as Kurata celebrates his 80th birthday, marking nearly 60 years in global entertainment as a leading figure in martial arts action cinema, and collecting over a hundred screen credits in film and television. The plan is to begin premiering Dream Story in June.
More from Kurata:
“How to portray authentic martial arts as honestly as possible within the fictional world of film” —that’s my fundamental philosophy when it comes to action.
Rather than relying on excessive effects like wires and CGI, I believe that what’s possible with the human body, and what’s meaningful precisely because it’s done by humans, is what matters. I constantly strive to see how far I can go within the limits of the human body. I don’t like action that merely mimics form; I prioritize whether the fundamentals of martial arts, such as weight transfer, distance, and center of gravity, are correctly executed.
And above all, I value “realism”—whether the movements are actually capable of landing a hit.
My ideal is fast, precise, powerful, and beautiful movement.
I believe that there is no completion or goal in action; it’s something that constantly evolves. I continue to refine my expression with a constant desire for improvement, through daily research and training.
Even now, I have the confidence to captivate audiences with just my body.
“I’m not a legend; I’m the world’s oldest active action actor.”
Time has passed, my aspirations have been carried on, and I feel immense joy that the day has come when they, as directors, are filming me.
Check out the proof-of-concept clips below and visit the Dream Story campaign page for further info on the project and the perks being included for donations.
Native New Yorker. Been writing for a long time now, and I enjoy what I do. Be nice to me!
