Satoshi Murayama, the shogi (Japanese chess) master known as the arch-rival of Yoshiharu Habu, the shogi genius of the century, died of an intractable disease at age 29. Satoshi devoted his life to fighting not only the disease but also his rivals, feverishly pursuing the highest title, at risk to his life. Director Yoshitaka Mori (Hyakuhachi (2008), Space Brothers (2012)) depicts Murayama's true struggling life, full of love from his parents and teacher, based on the non-fiction novel written by Yoshio Osaki. Kenichi Matsuyama intensely portrays Satoshi and physically embodies the character.
Acting
Matsuyama's physical decay is devastatingly precise.
Direction
Mori lets silence scream louder than dialogue.
Director
Yoshitaka Mori
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Kenichi Matsuyama lost 15kg and learned shogi for a year; real Habu called his portrayal 'uncanny'.
Shogi has seven lifetime titles — Satoshi died chasing his first, making his obsession almost mythic in Japan.
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