In a delightful blend of comedy, satire, and social commentary, Fly Me to Saitama 2 is set for release this year, with four members returning to the film’s cast. The sequel film was expected to premiere in 2022, but due to unforeseen circumstances, the movie couldn’t release on its original debut date.
Fly Me to Saitama, Tonde Saitama in Japanese, debuted in 2019 and gained several positive reviews and ratings in no time. Owing to the success of the original film, the sequel was announced and subsequently made, following Saitama, a prefecture historically overshadowed and ridiculed by its more reputed counterparts. The movie perfectly pays homage to the site and its residents with well-thought representation and comments.
With its contagious humor, brilliant acting, and well-written characters, the Live-Action Fly Me to Saitama Sequel Film promises to deliver an exciting cinematic experience that continues the success it started. Prepare to embark on a rollercoaster ride through this upcoming film, as it once again captivates audiences with its compelling story and sarcastic humor.
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Fly Me to Saitama 2: Cast Returns
The films are directed by Hideki Takeuchi and are based on the manga series written and illustrated by Mineo Maya. Approximately 40 years since the manga debuted, the film managed to bring in loyal viewers and rose to fame, receiving an impressive 12 twelve nominations at the 43rd Japan Academy Film Prize, winning 3 of the 12 nominations.
The returning cast features Ryō Katō playing Nobuo Shimokawa, Shoko Nakahara playing Awabi, Tsubasa Masuwaka playing Okayo, and Maju Ozawa playing Sazae.
The film overcame a significant setback when production was temporarily halted due to lead actor Gackt’s health concerns in 2021. Gackt announced a break from filming with no return date as his condition was worsening, threatening his life. The neurological disorder affected his voice and hindered him from contributing to the live-action. Fortunately, he began recovering and productions were back in October 2022.
The Plot of the First Film
The story revolves around Momomi Dannoura, a high school student and the son of the governor of Tokyo. As the student council president at Hokuhodo Academy, the most prestigious high school in Tokyo, Momomi finds himself at the epicentre of the discrimination against Saitama. His world takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Rei Asami, a mysterious transfer student who has returned from America.
Their meeting sparks an electric connection, but Momomi soon discovers Rei’s secret, he’s a resident of the Saitama Prefecture. Bound by the complexities of their upbringing and the societal divide, they become the Saitama “Romeo and Juliet,” embarking on a daring plan to elope and start a political movement that will liberate Saitama from its oppressive shackles.
Fly Me to Saitama is written with wit and compelling characters and confronts themes of discrimination and regional identity in the form of a hilarious satire and a journey of the underdog rising to its deserved status.
Worth a Watch?
One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to hold a consistently sharp satirical tone. It exaggerates the stereotypes and social prejudices associated with both Tokyo and Saitama, turning them into a narrative that is both hilarious and thought-provoking. The film’s humor is often over-the-top and outrageous, but it never loses sight of its planned intentions, using comedy as a tool to comment on societal biases and perceptions.
With high ratings, this movie has impacted watchers internationally. The visual spectacle is, no doubt, pleasing to the eyes with a mix of “steampunk, medieval fashion, and high sci-fi” elements creatively blending. If you’re a viewer who’s lived in Tokyo, you might have picked up on the local jokes and references that are present throughout the film. However, even if some were lost in translation, the overall humor and absurdity of the movie remain the same.
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