Sakigake!! Otokojuku (2008 film)
Encyclopedia
is a 2008
Japanese film
written, directed by and starring Tak Sakaguchi
in his directorial debut. It is based on Akira Miyashita's manga Sakigake!! Otokojuku
. The film's ending theme was by The Back Horn
.
) running through the woods on his way to the Otokojuku
entrance ceremony, surviving being hit by a car and well enough to flirt with the driver afterwards. Genji Togashi (Shōei
) visits his brother's grave and informs him that he too will be enrolling in Otokojuku. Young yakuza
successor Hidemaro Gokukouji (Hiroyuki Onoue
) runs into thugs from Kanto Gogakuren while partying, but is saved by Momotaro Tsurugi (Tak Sakaguchi
). When Hidemaro asks for Momo's cell number, Momo informs he has no such thing and tells him to find him at the Otokojuku entrance ceremony. As it turns out, Hidemaro's mother (Tomoko Nakajima
) already plans to send him to Otokojuku in order to become a man. She tells him that if his father had only gone to Otokojuku, he'd still be with them today.
At the enrollment ceremony, Hidemaro is assaulted by head intructor Oni-Hige (Shun Sugata
) for not getting in line properly. After he finds Momo and meets Togashi, Oni-Hige introduces the principal, Heihachi Edajima (Akaji Maro
). Edajima gives his introductory speech, "I am the Otokojuku headmaster, Heihachi Edajima!!" so loudly he shatters the windows of Otokojuku. He then says "That is all" and dismisses all the first years to clean up the glass in the hallways. Soon after, they are told to report outside to receive orientation from the 2nd years. At orientation, 1st years Tazawa (Taketori no Yamaguchi) and Matsuo (Yoshiaki Yoza) are forced by Tange and the 2nd years to perform ridiculous tasks and manly performances. Togashi and Toramaru stand up to Tange (Masaki Miura) and a brawl breaks out and Momo gets involved. The fight is interrupted by 2nd year leader Gouji Akashi (Tetsushi Tanaka
), who challenges Momo to a sword fight, which itself is interrupted by Oni-Hige before a true victor can be decided.
After finding a pair of underwear, drill instructor Iron Helmet (Kentarō Shimazu) summons all the students for a uniform inspection. He informs the students that all real men wear a fundoshi
and that the owner of the briefs will be punished. Togashi can see from his face that they belong to Hidemaro, so he confesses to preferring briefs. Iron Helmet decides to test Togashi's toughness by forcing him to endure one of Otokojuku's specialties, the Oil Bath. He is placed in a tub of oil with a candle on a leaf while wearing just a fundoshi. As the oil gets hotter, Togashi perseveres until the candle goes out as a message of manliness to Hidemaro. Hidemaro can't take it anymore so he runs away in the middle of the night. After words of encouragement from Shioya (Tatsuo Yamada
), the last remaining member of the Gokukouji clan, he returns to Otokojuku just as Momo is being scolded by Oni-Hige for letting him escape. The two of them are placed inside twin cells, one of which has a 500 kilogram collapsable ceiling that Momo must hold up by chain in the other cell in order to keep Hidemaro from being crushed. Not long after the punishment begins, Hidemaro begins crying at his fate, and Momo tries to remind him that men don't cry. After several days, Momo's arms begin to lose their strength, so Hidemaro begs him to just let go and crush him. With this, Momo finds the strength to hold the ceiling up for the remainder of the punishment. They are released and have a newfound feeling of trust in each other.
In a side story, Togashi receives a paper airplane message during class. After reading it, Tazawa "deduces" that it is a love letter. Matsuo and Toramaru joke that any girl interested in Togashi must be a dog, but nonetheless follow him (with Hidemaro) when he goes to meet her. The girl, Erika-chan (Kaoru Hirata), turns out to be a pretty high school student and Togashi is instantly smitten. He treats her to gyūdon
, and although he makes a pig of himself, she seems to find it cute. However, it turns out the date was just an initiation for Erika to join a gang, and the girls laugh at Togashi for actually thinking anyone could like him. Toramaru tries to slap Erika, but Togashi stops him and instead tells her that today has been the best day of his life. Momo finds him crying and sits next to him. before Togashi can say much, Momo suggests that they return to their home at Otokojuku, and are joined along the way by the others.
One day, Otokojuku is invaded by Kanto Gogakuren, a group of delinquents led by Omito Date (Hideo Sakaki
), a former Otokojuku student who was expelled for killing an instructor for forcing him to undergo the twin solitary cells punishment. He and his two right hand men, Hien (Gō Ayano
) and Gekko (Shuya Yoshimoto) defeat most of the students. Akashi challenges Date and is nearly killed before being saved by Momo. However, before things can go further, Edajima interrupts and demands they settle things in the 3 Great Astonishing Assaults tournament. Date agrees and Momo, Togashi, and Toramaru are chosen to represent Otokojuku. Togashi again visits his brother's grave when Oni-Hige suddenly appears. He tells Togashi of how his brother was a real man and gives him his brother's dosu knife
. As Momo trains his sword, Toramaru wrestles a bear, and Matsu practices his ōendan
, Hidemaro and Tazawa both wonder what they can do to help.
2008 in film
This is a list of all major films made in 2008.-Highest-grossing films:Please note that following the tradition of the English-language film industry, these are the top grossing films that were first released in the USA in 2008...
Japanese film
Cinema of Japan
The has a history that spans more than 100 years. Japan has one of the oldest and largest film industries in the world – as of 2009 the fourth largest by number of feature films produced. Movies have been produced in Japan since 1897, when the first foreign cameramen arrived...
written, directed by and starring Tak Sakaguchi
Tak Sakaguchi
is a Japanese actor, director, fight choreorapher, and stuntman. He is best known for his lead role in Ryuhei Kitamura's cult film, Versus. Sakaguchi is a talented martial artist, and as such, stars in films featuring copious fight scenes and performs all of his own stunts. He is known to be...
in his directorial debut. It is based on Akira Miyashita's manga Sakigake!! Otokojuku
Sakigake!! Otokojuku
by Akira Miyashita is a comedy martial arts manga that was originally serialized at the Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1985 to 1991. It is staged in a private boy's school that teaches ōendan to troubled teenagers. The students are trained to "revive the Spirit of Japan" and mainly engage in fighting or...
. The film's ending theme was by The Back Horn
The Back Horn
is a Japanese alternative rock band, formed in Tokyo, Japan in 1998.-History:The band got started around April in 1998, when the original members all came to Tokyo from the countryside where they all lived, all for different reasons. They met, and decided to start a band. First called Gyorai, they...
.
Plot
The film begins Ryuuji Toramaru (Shintaro YamadaShintaro Yamada
born July 10, 1986 in Onna, Okinawa, is a Japanese fashion model, actor, and singer.He is the younger brother of Yu Yamada. His modeling credits include appearing in Men's Non-No and Popeye...
) running through the woods on his way to the Otokojuku
Otokojuku (school)
' is a fictional school that appears in Akira Miyashita's manga series Sakigake!! Otokojuku and its sequel Akatsuki!! Otokojuku.-Otokojuku Institution:Otokojuku is a private boy's school in Tokyo, established over 300 years ago...
entrance ceremony, surviving being hit by a car and well enough to flirt with the driver afterwards. Genji Togashi (Shōei
Shoei
is a Japanese company that produces a popular line of motorsport helmets.-History:Shoei is a Japanese company producing motorcycle helmets since 1958....
) visits his brother's grave and informs him that he too will be enrolling in Otokojuku. Young yakuza
Yakuza
, also known as , are members of traditional organized crime syndicates in Japan. The Japanese police, and media by request of the police, call them bōryokudan , literally "violence group", while the yakuza call themselves "ninkyō dantai" , "chivalrous organizations". The yakuza are notoriously...
successor Hidemaro Gokukouji (Hiroyuki Onoue
Hiroyuki Onoue
', born July 16, 1985, is a Japanese actor from Osaka Prefecture.-TV Drama:*When the Last Sword Is Drawn*Doremi Sora*Teru Teru Kazoku*Medaka*Shin Akakabu Kenji Funsenki*Piano*Byakuyakou *Tsunagareta Asu...
) runs into thugs from Kanto Gogakuren while partying, but is saved by Momotaro Tsurugi (Tak Sakaguchi
Tak Sakaguchi
is a Japanese actor, director, fight choreorapher, and stuntman. He is best known for his lead role in Ryuhei Kitamura's cult film, Versus. Sakaguchi is a talented martial artist, and as such, stars in films featuring copious fight scenes and performs all of his own stunts. He is known to be...
). When Hidemaro asks for Momo's cell number, Momo informs he has no such thing and tells him to find him at the Otokojuku entrance ceremony. As it turns out, Hidemaro's mother (Tomoko Nakajima
Tomoko Nakajima
is a Japanese actress. She won the award for best supporting actress at the 12th Yokohama Film Festival for Tugumi.-Filmography:* Tugumi * Dance till Tomorrow * Parasite Eve * Give It All...
) already plans to send him to Otokojuku in order to become a man. She tells him that if his father had only gone to Otokojuku, he'd still be with them today.
At the enrollment ceremony, Hidemaro is assaulted by head intructor Oni-Hige (Shun Sugata
Shun Sugata
' is a Japanese character actor from Yamanashi Prefecture. He is most known for portraying villainous characters.-Films:*Abunai Deka *Baka Yaro! 2: Shiawase ni naritai...
) for not getting in line properly. After he finds Momo and meets Togashi, Oni-Hige introduces the principal, Heihachi Edajima (Akaji Maro
Akaji Maro
is a Japanese actor, Butoka, and theater director. He was born in Sakurai, Nara and is the founder of Dairakudakan. His son is Nao Ōmori.-Film:*Yakuza Weapon *Sakigake!! Otokojuku *Makai Tensho *Kill Bill Vol...
). Edajima gives his introductory speech, "I am the Otokojuku headmaster, Heihachi Edajima!!" so loudly he shatters the windows of Otokojuku. He then says "That is all" and dismisses all the first years to clean up the glass in the hallways. Soon after, they are told to report outside to receive orientation from the 2nd years. At orientation, 1st years Tazawa (Taketori no Yamaguchi) and Matsuo (Yoshiaki Yoza) are forced by Tange and the 2nd years to perform ridiculous tasks and manly performances. Togashi and Toramaru stand up to Tange (Masaki Miura) and a brawl breaks out and Momo gets involved. The fight is interrupted by 2nd year leader Gouji Akashi (Tetsushi Tanaka
Tetsushi Tanaka
', born February 18, 1966 in Mie Prefecture, is a Japanese actor.-Plays:*Hamlet *A Midsummer Night's Dream *Amor Vincit Omnia *MacBeth *Waiting for Godot *A Streetcar Named Desire...
), who challenges Momo to a sword fight, which itself is interrupted by Oni-Hige before a true victor can be decided.
After finding a pair of underwear, drill instructor Iron Helmet (Kentarō Shimazu) summons all the students for a uniform inspection. He informs the students that all real men wear a fundoshi
Fundoshi
is the traditional Japanese undergarment for adult males, made from a length of cotton. Before World War II, the fundoshi was the main form of underwear for Japanese adult males...
and that the owner of the briefs will be punished. Togashi can see from his face that they belong to Hidemaro, so he confesses to preferring briefs. Iron Helmet decides to test Togashi's toughness by forcing him to endure one of Otokojuku's specialties, the Oil Bath. He is placed in a tub of oil with a candle on a leaf while wearing just a fundoshi. As the oil gets hotter, Togashi perseveres until the candle goes out as a message of manliness to Hidemaro. Hidemaro can't take it anymore so he runs away in the middle of the night. After words of encouragement from Shioya (Tatsuo Yamada
Tatsuo Yamada
was a Japanese actor best known for his portrayal of biker Jin, the protagonist of Sōgo Ishii's 1980 film Crazy Thunder Road.- External links :...
), the last remaining member of the Gokukouji clan, he returns to Otokojuku just as Momo is being scolded by Oni-Hige for letting him escape. The two of them are placed inside twin cells, one of which has a 500 kilogram collapsable ceiling that Momo must hold up by chain in the other cell in order to keep Hidemaro from being crushed. Not long after the punishment begins, Hidemaro begins crying at his fate, and Momo tries to remind him that men don't cry. After several days, Momo's arms begin to lose their strength, so Hidemaro begs him to just let go and crush him. With this, Momo finds the strength to hold the ceiling up for the remainder of the punishment. They are released and have a newfound feeling of trust in each other.
In a side story, Togashi receives a paper airplane message during class. After reading it, Tazawa "deduces" that it is a love letter. Matsuo and Toramaru joke that any girl interested in Togashi must be a dog, but nonetheless follow him (with Hidemaro) when he goes to meet her. The girl, Erika-chan (Kaoru Hirata), turns out to be a pretty high school student and Togashi is instantly smitten. He treats her to gyūdon
Gyudon
, , is a Japanese dish consisting of a bowl of rice topped with beef and onion simmered in a mildly sweet sauce flavored with dashi , soy sauce and mirin . It also often includes shirataki noodles, and is sometimes topped with a raw egg...
, and although he makes a pig of himself, she seems to find it cute. However, it turns out the date was just an initiation for Erika to join a gang, and the girls laugh at Togashi for actually thinking anyone could like him. Toramaru tries to slap Erika, but Togashi stops him and instead tells her that today has been the best day of his life. Momo finds him crying and sits next to him. before Togashi can say much, Momo suggests that they return to their home at Otokojuku, and are joined along the way by the others.
One day, Otokojuku is invaded by Kanto Gogakuren, a group of delinquents led by Omito Date (Hideo Sakaki
Hideo Sakaki
' is a Japanese actor. He is best known from the Japanese cult films Versus, Battlefield Baseball, and Alive...
), a former Otokojuku student who was expelled for killing an instructor for forcing him to undergo the twin solitary cells punishment. He and his two right hand men, Hien (Gō Ayano
Go Ayano
', born January 26, 1982 in Gifu Prefecture, is a Japanese actor.-Film:*Life *Aquarian Age *Sakigake!! Otokojuku *Naoko *Crows Zero 2 -External links:* * *...
) and Gekko (Shuya Yoshimoto) defeat most of the students. Akashi challenges Date and is nearly killed before being saved by Momo. However, before things can go further, Edajima interrupts and demands they settle things in the 3 Great Astonishing Assaults tournament. Date agrees and Momo, Togashi, and Toramaru are chosen to represent Otokojuku. Togashi again visits his brother's grave when Oni-Hige suddenly appears. He tells Togashi of how his brother was a real man and gives him his brother's dosu knife
Tanto
A is one of the traditional Japanese swords that were worn by the samurai class of feudal Japan. The tantō dates to the Heian period, when it was mainly used as a weapon but evolved in design over the years to become more ornate...
. As Momo trains his sword, Toramaru wrestles a bear, and Matsu practices his ōendan
Oendan
An , literally "cheering squad" or "cheering section", is a Japanese sports rallying team similar in purpose to a cheerleading squad in the United States, but relies more on making a lot of noise with taiko drums, blowing horns and other items, waving flags and banners, and yelling through plastic...
, Hidemaro and Tazawa both wonder what they can do to help.
Cast
- Tak SakaguchiTak Sakaguchiis a Japanese actor, director, fight choreorapher, and stuntman. He is best known for his lead role in Ryuhei Kitamura's cult film, Versus. Sakaguchi is a talented martial artist, and as such, stars in films featuring copious fight scenes and performs all of his own stunts. He is known to be...
as Momotaro Tsurugi - ShōeiShoeiis a Japanese company that produces a popular line of motorsport helmets.-History:Shoei is a Japanese company producing motorcycle helmets since 1958....
as Genji Togashi - Hiroyuki OnoueHiroyuki Onoue', born July 16, 1985, is a Japanese actor from Osaka Prefecture.-TV Drama:*When the Last Sword Is Drawn*Doremi Sora*Teru Teru Kazoku*Medaka*Shin Akakabu Kenji Funsenki*Piano*Byakuyakou *Tsunagareta Asu...
as Hidemaro Gokukouji - Shintaro YamadaShintaro Yamadaborn July 10, 1986 in Onna, Okinawa, is a Japanese fashion model, actor, and singer.He is the younger brother of Yu Yamada. His modeling credits include appearing in Men's Non-No and Popeye...
as Ryuuji Toramaru - Tetsushi TanakaTetsushi Tanaka', born February 18, 1966 in Mie Prefecture, is a Japanese actor.-Plays:*Hamlet *A Midsummer Night's Dream *Amor Vincit Omnia *MacBeth *Waiting for Godot *A Streetcar Named Desire...
as Gouji Akashi - Akaji MaroAkaji Marois a Japanese actor, Butoka, and theater director. He was born in Sakurai, Nara and is the founder of Dairakudakan. His son is Nao Ōmori.-Film:*Yakuza Weapon *Sakigake!! Otokojuku *Makai Tensho *Kill Bill Vol...
as Heihachi EdajimaHeihachi Edajima' is a fictional character in Akira Miyashita's manga series Sakigake!! Otokojuku and its sequel Akatsuki!! Otokojuku and is the protagonist of Peerless: The Legend of Heihachi Edajima.-About:... - Hideo SakakiHideo Sakaki' is a Japanese actor. He is best known from the Japanese cult films Versus, Battlefield Baseball, and Alive...
as Omito Date - Gō AyanoGo Ayano', born January 26, 1982 in Gifu Prefecture, is a Japanese actor.-Film:*Life *Aquarian Age *Sakigake!! Otokojuku *Naoko *Crows Zero 2 -External links:* * *...
as Hien - Shuya Yoshimoto as Gekkou
- Taketari no Yamaguchi as Shinichiro Tazawa
- Yoshiaki Yoza as Taio Matsuo
- Shun SugataShun Sugata' is a Japanese character actor from Yamanashi Prefecture. He is most known for portraying villainous characters.-Films:*Abunai Deka *Baka Yaro! 2: Shiawase ni naritai...
as Oni-Hige - Kentarō Shimazu as Tetsu Kabuto
- Tomoko NakajimaTomoko Nakajimais a Japanese actress. She won the award for best supporting actress at the 12th Yokohama Film Festival for Tugumi.-Filmography:* Tugumi * Dance till Tomorrow * Parasite Eve * Give It All...
as Shinobu Gokukouji - Tatsuo YamadaTatsuo Yamadawas a Japanese actor best known for his portrayal of biker Jin, the protagonist of Sōgo Ishii's 1980 film Crazy Thunder Road.- External links :...
as Shioya - Masaki Miura as Tange
- Kaoru Hirata as Erika
- Hiroshi Ryōgoku as Ryougoku
- Junkichi Orimoto as Shura
- Takashi Hamazaki as Fuukai
- HIRO as Rinkai
- Kenji Takayama as Tsubakiyama
- Shin Yazawa as Woman in car (cameo)
- Ayano TsujiAyano Tsujiis a J-Pop singer famous in her native Japan for her unconventional light singing style and ukulele music. She rose to fame after performing the end-title track for the Studio Ghibli film The Cat Returns in 2002.- Biography :In 1993, Ayano Tsuji attended...
as UkuleleUkuleleThe ukulele, ; from ; it is a subset of the guitar family of instruments, generally with four nylon or gut strings or four courses of strings....
Girl (cameo) - Bakko Maeda as Man at Gyudon House
- Yutaka Hiyama as Kanto Gogakuren Member
- Shigeru ChibaShigeru Chibais an actor and voice actor. He has also worked as a sound effects director and music director. He is employed by the talent management firm 81 Produce....
as Narration