Kazuya Takajo was a promising soccer player. At the age of 23, he was selected for the national A football team and he bought a house to live with his fiancé Miki Nakagawa. One day, Kazuya Takajo gets into a car accident and becomes paralyzed and falls into deep despair. Kazuya goes through rehab on the strength of his wife's love. Yet, he becomes frustrated by those opposed to his marriage with Miki and others who give him pity looks. He also can't find anything to replace soccer in his life. Kazuya then witnesses a wheelchair basketball game at a gym.
Acting
Sakurai's physical transformation is genuinely impressive.
Practical Effects
Authentic wheelchair basketball sequences with real para-athletes.
Director
Masaki Nishiura
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Based on the true story of para-athlete Junichi Kawai, who competed in five Paralympics. Director Nishiura spent months with Japan's wheelchair basketball team for authenticity.
The film sparked debate in Japan about 'inspiration porn' — critics questioned whether Kazuya's arc reinforces the harmful trope that disabled people must achieve greatness to deserve respect.
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