The film ‘Tokyo Cowboy’ will be released in Japan on June 7 (Friday).
The film marks the American film debut of actor Arata Iura. Set in the U.S. state of Montana, known as “Big Sky Country,” the film depicts the transformation of Hideki, an upwardly mobile Japanese businessman who comes to Montana to rebuild his ranch and comes into contact with cowboy culture.
Directed by Marc Marriott, this is his first feature film, and was inspired to make the film by his experience as an onsite participant in the 1989 film ‘Otoko wa Tsuraiyo: Tora Jiro Kokoro no Tabijiro’ and an article about a Japanese businessman training at a ranch in Montana. The screenplay was co-written by Dave Boyle and Fumiko Fujitani, and Fujitani appears in the film as Keiko, the boss / girlfriend of Hideki, played by Iura. Other cast members include Jun Kunimura, Goya Robles, and Robin Weigert.
A comment from Iura on the occasion of the decision to release the film in Japan has been released.
I’ve seen the films you’ve been in and have always wanted to work with you.
Arata Iura Comment
These were the words I received when I first spoke with director Mark Marriott online when the world was still in the midst of COVID-19 anxiety.
He gave me a lot of specific words about the characteristics of his play and how he felt about it.
He was interested in the way I approached the work, the way I approached the role, and the path I had taken as an actor, and we talked about it.
Director Mark, producer Brigham Taylor, and screenwriting team members Fumiko Fujitani and Dave Boyle.
I felt that everyone in Mark’s group there had seen the film properly and needed to see it. I was very happy.
I want to respond to that feeling! I want to make movies together! This is where my “Tokyo Cowboy” began.
I hope this heartwarming film, shot in the magnificent wilderness of Montana in the U.S. and in the city of Tokyo, will gently touch your hearts and that you will enjoy it.
‘Tokyo Cowboy’ will have its closing screening at the 19th Osaka Asian Film Festival on March 10 (Sun), and a special advance screening with a stage greeting will be held on March 11 (Mon) at YEBISU GARDEN CINEMA in Ebisu, Tokyo. Iura, Fujitani, and director Mark Elliott will take the stage at the event.
Special Advance Screening of “Tokyo Cowboy” with Stage Greeting
Date & Time: Monday, March 11, 19:00 (pre-screening stage greeting scheduled)
Guests (tentative): Arata Iura, Fumiko Fujitani, Mark Marriott (Director)
Venue: YEBISU GARDEN CINEMA (in Yebisu Garden Place, 4-20-2 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku)
Ticket price: 2,000 yen
Ticket sales: Tickets will go on sale at the theater box office and online from March 4 (Mon.)
For more information, please visit “YEBISU GARDEN CINEMA” website at https://www.unitedcinemas.jp/ygc/
Tokyo Cowboy
Cast: Arata Iura, Goya Robles, Fumiko Fujitani, Robin Weigert, Jun Kunimura
Director: Mark Marriott / Screenplay: Dave Boyle, Fumiko Fujitani / Producer: Brigham Taylor
2023/ USA/ English, Japanese/ 2.35:1/ 5.1ch/ 118min/ Original title: TOKYO COWBOY
