Mumon: The Land of Stealth

Mumon: The Land of Stealth (忍びの国) is a Japanese jidaigeki film, directed by Yoshihiro Nakamura and based on the novel of the same name by Ryō Wada. For international distribution, the film has been titled Mumon - The Land of Stealth. There has also been a manga adaptation of the novel, serialized by Gessan from May 12, 2009 to February 12, 2011. Set during the Sengoku period, the film focuses on fictional events that take place surrounding the Tenshō Iga War. Mumon: The Land of Stealth was theatrically released in Japan by Toho on July 1, 2017.[2] The theme song for the film is "Tsunagu (つなぐ, Bond)" by the Japanese group Arashi.

Promotional poster
Directed byYoshihiro Nakamura
Produced by
  • Takashi Hirano
  • Julie K. Fujishima
Screenplay byRyō Wada
Based onShinobi no Kuni (novel)
by Ryou Wada
Starring
Narrated byTsutomu Yamazaki
Music byYu Takami
Edited bySoichi Ueno
Production
company
Distributed byToho
Release date
  • July 1, 2017 (2017-07-01)
Running time
125 minutes
CountryJapan
LanguageJapanese
Box office¥2.51 billion

Plot

The warlord, Nobunaga Oda, is rapidly vanquishing his foes on a quest to pacify and unify the country under his rule. However, there is one region that even Nobunaga fears: The Iga Province, home to the Iga ninja, known to be extraordinary weapons of war who do not think of people as human and will assassinate anyone for money. There is one Iga ninja, Mumon, who is renowned as a deadly assassin and who has unmatched battle strength, earning him the nickname of Iga's strongest ninja. However, he is equally lazy and only seeks to earn money to please his wife, Okuni. At the same time, a ninja named Heibee Shimoyama becomes disillusioned with his people's way of living.

One day, Mumon kills a ninja from a different family for a reward, unaware that his actions will ultimately lead to a deadly battle between Nobunaga's army and the ninja of the Iga Province. The resulting battle evokes struggles with morality in a midst of colliding interests and political schemes.[3][4]

Cast

Production

The film was announced on May 31, 2016. Filming began in July 2016 and finished in October 2016. Director Nakamura commented that Ohno is an excellent fit for the role of Mumon, who has an unconventional way of thinking. The two previously worked together for the film adaptation of Kaibutsu-kun the Movie in 2011.

In preparation for his role as Mumon, Ohno took intensive training in sword fighting, specifically dagger fighting techniques using both hands. Suzuki, who plays Heibee Shimoyama, also underwent rigorous training to prepare for his role as a skilled ninja.[5][6][7]

Release

Mumon: The Land of Stealth had its Japan premiere on May 31, 2017, with Director Nakamura and the main cast in attendance. Its theatrical release in Japan was on July 1, 2017.

The film was also shown at the 20th Shanghai International Film Festival, held from June 17 to June 26, during the Jackie Chan Action Movie Week.[8] In addition, the film had its North American debut at the Toronto Japanese Film Festival on June 28, 2017, as well as its US premiere at the Japan Cuts film festival in New York City on July 13, 2017. Director Nakamura was in attendance at both screenings to introduce the film and answer audience questions.[9][10] The film will have its Quebec premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival on July 30, 2017.[11]

Reception

Box office

The film performed well on its opening weekend, mobilizing 404,452 people nationwide and generating a box office revenue of $4,286,405 (approximately ¥485 million). At the time of release, this was reported to be the most successful opening weekend of the year for Japanese live action films.[12]

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References
  1. "Translation of Mumon: The Land of Stealth Production Company Credits by Google Translate". Google Translate.
  2. "忍びの国". Archived from the original on 15 October 2018. Retrieved 6 December 2016.
  3. "忍びの国". TBS. Retrieved 6 December 2016.
  4. "石原さとみ「忍びの国」で大野智の妻に！知念侑李は"先輩"と初共演". 映画.com. Retrieved 6 December 2016.
  5. "大野智、史上最強の伊賀忍者役「アクションや格闘シーンたくさん」". Sanspo. Retrieved 6 December 2016.
  6. "大野智主演「忍びの国」に石原さとみ、鈴木亮平、伊勢谷友介、知念侑李ら11名出演". Natalie. Retrieved 6 December 2016.
  7. "石原さとみが大野智の妻、映画「忍びの国」で初共演". Nikkan Sports. Retrieved 6 December 2016.
  8. "第２０回上海国際映画祭ジャッキー・チェン・アクション映画週間 コンペティション部門出品決定！ 日本の忍びアクションが世界へ！！". Archived from the original on 6 June 2017. Retrieved 6 June 2017.
  9. "Mumon - The Land of Stealth (忍びの国)". Toronto Japanese Film Festival. Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
  10. "MUMON: The Land of Stealth". Japan Society. Retrieved 6 June 2017.
  11. "MUMON: THE LAND OF STEALTH". Fantasia International Film Festival. Archived from the original on 9 July 2017. Retrieved 7 July 2017.
  12. "【国内映画ランキング】「パイレーツ・オブ・カリビアン」興収10億突破の首位デビュー！". 映画.com. Retrieved 4 July 2017.
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