日本語はこちらです。
A Tale of a Wrestler
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The Great Sasuke chronicles one life-changing year in the career of a regional Japanese wrestler and local politician known as The Great Sasuke. Sasuke describes wrestling as his "tenshoku" -- a lifework assigned by god. He considers himself not just an entertainer but a public servant, which once lead him to win a seat as an assembly legislator of his home prefecture, Iwate. In constant observance to his public persona, Sasuke has never removed his mask in and out of the ring -- even as a politician.
Set in the suburb of Morioka City in northern Japan, his story begins when Sasuke, now in his 40s, marks his 20th anniversary as a wrestler. With dwindling attendance to his performances and his declining health, Sasuke is now at a crossroads. He decides to climb back into both arenas -- wrestling and politics -- for a final battle royale.
The Sasuke you've never seen
This is a film that we've been dying to share with everyone. We are so proud of it, and we assure you -- Sasuke is absolutely captivating to watch. The film is almost complete, and with your help, we will be able to share it with the world!
This film captured the most private and intimate moments of Sasuke, as well as some incredible Michi-Pro wrestling matches. If you are Sasuke's fan, you will get to see the Sasuke that you have never seen. If you don't know anything about Sasuke, you are going to be captivated by this enigmatic character and his poignant story. You are also going to be introduced to the world of Puroresu -- Japanese professional wrestling -- and let me tell you, you will be hooked.
What We Need & What You Get
We are seeking a minimal amount to be able to finish the film. Here is the list of where the funds will go:
- The most important element that we desperately need is the license to the archival footage of Sasuke from the 1990s and early 2000s. This is absolutely essential for us to be able to tell the story even though licensing fee is expensive. The footage of his early career is incredible, and some are rarely available to public -- and you'll be able to see them in the film!
- Color correction of the film: a proper color correction can really enhance the film. We secured a talented colorist who is willing to work with our budget, and with the Indiegogo funds, we will be able to give the film the dynamic look that it needs.
- Our final phase of post production is the audio mix, which is absolutely essential for this film so it sounds as epic as it can be!
The Perks
We are offering a number of exciting perks! DVDs, original T-shirts (3 options!), credits on the film, tix to premiere, and more!
We Are So Close!
We are extremely close to being able to complete the film. The footage is completely shot, and the edit is done. All we need is the license for the old footage of Sasuke, and finish color correction/audio mix. That means we are basically at the end of the tunnel. All we need is your help!
Other Ways You Can Help
If you can't contribute, you can still help!
- Please get the word out by sharing this page with your friends on social media!
- Post the trailer on your social media page as many times as you can. Getting more view counts will help us tremendously!
- Make it easy for yourself and use the share tools on the left side of the campaign video!
The Filmmakers
Mikiko Sasaki - Director/Producer
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Mikiko Sasaki is a documentary filmmaker based in Oakland, CA. She grew up in Morioka, Iwate, the same town The Great Sasuke is from. Her award winning short documentary, Story of a Businesswoman, screened at numerous film festivals around the country, and was broadcasted on MNET in 2011. She also works as a documentary and commercial editor in San Francisco Bay Area, and is currently developing a few documentary projects.
Jonathan Schwarz - Director of Photography/Producer
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Jonathan Schwarz is Director of Photography who divides his time between New York City and Los Angeles. His past work includes Tig, Dogs of War, Mansion Hunters, Meltdown, I'm Having Their Baby, and several short films.
Aiko Fukushima - Composer
Born in Japan, Aiko Fukushima is currently working as a freelance composer and orchestrator in Los Angeles. She collaborates with some of the most promising young filmmakers in Hollywood on award-winning projects, such as the Emmy-winning Parthenabe (2007) directed by Alexandra Fisher; and Broken Fist (2007) directed by Justin Wolske – official selection of the Hong Kong Film Festival.
Her music can be heard in the 2009 Sundance Director’s Lab Documentary web series.
As an orchestrator, Aiko worked on several high profile feature films, including the recent blockbuster District 9 (2009). In addition, she contributes to many television programs, such as “America’s Most Smartest Model” (VH1) and “Untold Stories of the ER” (TLC).
レスラーの物語
「ザ・グレート・サスケ」（原題）は、地方プロレスラーであり元地方議会議員としても知られるザ・グレート・サスケ氏の生涯の中の１ページを記録したものです。サスケ氏はレスリングを「天職」とする一方で、自身を単なるエンターテイナーではなく、社会に奉仕する人物だと考え、岩手県議会の議員にもなったのでした。外の顔であるマスクは、リングの中・外を問わず、議会の場ですら外すことはありません。
映画は、４０代に入ったサスケ氏が、デビュー２０周年を迎えるところから始まります。度重なる負傷の積み重ねにより衰えていく肉体を前に、サスケ氏は転機を迎え、それでも闘いのリングへ登ろうと決意します。人生という名のリングへ。
サスケ氏の「素顔」
ザ・グレート・サスケさんに密着・撮影を始めて５年が経ちました。そして今、作品はまさに完成目前です。
この映画では、サスケ氏のプライベートな部分や、みちのくプロレスの歴史的なマッチも収められています。サスケファンの皆さまには、今までに見たことのないサスケ氏の姿を見ていただけることでしょう。サスケ氏について何も知らない方は、彼の謎めいたキャラクターと強烈なエピソードに魅せられることでしょう。そして間違いなく、プロレスの世界へ引き込まれることでしょう。
ご協力ください
映画を完成させるために、資金のご協力をいただける方を募集しています。ご協力いただいた資金は以下の用途に使用いたします。
・この映画にとって最も重要なのは、サスケ氏の１９９０年代～２０００年代前半にかけての映像使用権です。初期のサスケ氏の活躍は素晴らしく、その映像使用料は高額ですが、皆様のご協力により、貴重な映像をお見せすることが可能になります。
・色補正作業 ー 色の補正は映画の質を高めるためにとても重要な作業です。
・音声編集作業 ー 最後に音声編集です。臨場感のある映画に仕上げるため、欠かせない作業を、皆様のご協力で完成させることができます。
特典
資金提供にご協力いただいた方には、映画のDVDやオリジナルTシャツ、特別上映試写会チケットなどの進呈、映画のタイトルバックへのお名前表示など、様々な特典をご用意しています。
資金以外にも・・・ご協力お願いします
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