It has been revealed that Mizukami Koji will play the lead role in "Tokyo Burst - Crime City -" (directed by Uchida Eiji, scheduled for release on May 29th), the Japanese version of the Korean hit film "Crime City." Set in Kabukicho, the "Devil's Capital of East Asia," the film sees Mizukami as an "ultra" unconventional rookie detective with an afro and a buddy team of Korean elite detectives played by TVXQ's Yunho, battling the "craziest" duo of criminal gangs played by Fukushi Sota and Uhm Ki-jun.
"The Outlaws and Crimes" is a popular Korean film starring Hollywood star Ma Dong-seok as the protagonist, a powerful detective. Four films have been released to date, with a cumulative total of over 40 million viewers in Korea. This latest film, "Tokyo Burst: The Outlaws and Crimes," is a universe production with an original Japanese story that connects the series to the world line. Set in Kabukicho, the "Devil's Capital of East Asia," where various ambitions and desires swirl, the film depicts a life-threatening battle between rookie detective Aiba Shiro (Mizukami) of Shinjuku Central Police Station and organizations including international criminals, the Yakuza, and host clubs.
Aiba, a rookie detective raised in Kabukicho, is a former gang leader whose physical strength and hot-bloodedness often lead him to get involved in crimes, always getting him into trouble. One day, Choi Si-woo (Yunho), an ace detective from the Korean National Police Agency, is dispatched to Shinjuku Police Station to pursue Murata Renji (Fukushi), the boss of a vicious criminal group and an internationally wanted criminal. From the first day they meet, the two are at odds and quickly become entangled, but when rumors spread that Murata and his gang are infiltrating Kabukicho, they form an impromptu team and begin a joint investigation. As the investigation progresses, the possibility of a major conflict between militant yakuza and Kabukicho's largest host group emerges, and it is discovered that Murata and his right-hand man, Kim Hoon (Uhm Ki-jun), are heavily involved. Furthermore, the existence of state power lies behind it all... This is the story.
Mizukami says that highlights include intense scenes such as professional wrestling moves, spin kicks, and car action. He says, "Through filming, I was able to confront the physical expression of professional wrestling, and had many conversations with director Uchida about how to portray the realism of risking one's life. I want to live as 'Aiba Shiro' even more, and I think I've found a role that I want to cherish and nurture so much that I hope to make it into a series."
◇ Role of Aiba Shiro: Koji Mizukami
This was a work that gave me an experience I'd never had before. The man I played, Aiba Shiro, is someone whose heart takes precedence over reason. While acting, I was encouraged many times by his drive, and I aimed to create a character that would make people think, "I want to live like that."
Through filming, I was able to face the physical expression of professional wrestling, and I had many conversations with Director Uchida about how to portray the realism of risking one's life. I want to live as "Aiba Shiro" even more, and I believe I have found a role that I want to cherish and nurture so much that I hope it will become a series. I hope you will come to the theater and feel the passion of "TOKYO BURST - Crime City -".
◇Choi Si-woo: Yunho (TVXQ)
This was my first time working on a Japanese film, and I felt anxious and pressured before filming began, but the staff and cast on set welcomed me so warmly, and every day was so much fun and I learned so much.
I am very honored to be able to appear in a work that is part of the universe of the hugely popular "The Outlaws" series in Korea. While respecting the strength of the "The Outlaws" series, this work depicts a different kind of "friendship" and "passion," and I believe it will be a work that will remain in the hearts of many people.
My character, Choi Si-woo, may seem quiet and cool at first, but as he connects with the Japanese police officers, his inner passion and humanity gradually become apparent. This is a film where everything from action to human emotions clashes in earnest, so be sure to see it in the theater!
◇Kim Hoon: Uhm Ki-jun
Hello. I'm Uhm Ki-jun, who played Kim Hoon in "Tokyo Burst: The Outlaws." This was my first time acting in a Japanese film, so I was excited, but everything was new to me, so I was also anxious. However, thanks to the kindness of Director Uchida and everyone on set, I learned a lot every day.
The character I played, Kim Hoon, looks like a villain like the Joker, but his true nature is that of a complete scumbag (laughs). I think the highlight of this film is the "terrible buddy feeling" between me and my partner, played by Fukushi.
As for the action, I was surprised by the difference in filming style, but I think it has resulted in some very thrilling scenes, so I hope everyone will look forward to it!
◇Renji Murata: Sota Fukushi
After watching the "The Outlaws, the Gangsters" series starring Ma Dong-seok, I noticed that while Detective Ma Seok-do carries the weight of the entire series, the villains who appear in each installment are very fascinating.
This time, when I was playing the role of a villain, I tried to think deeply about the meaning of "evil." In particular, I used Son Seok-guk's insane and destructive presence in "The Roundup" as a great reference for the action scenes.
The set, led by director Eiji Uchida, was very passionate and smooth, and I felt like my role was naturally completed just by standing in that world. With the cooperation of the sophisticated staff and the many extras, I think the footage is on a scale never before seen in a Japanese film.
Mizukami-kun was also very passionate about his role, and the tension in the scenes where they exchanged blows was so intense it felt like sparks were flying. I was also honored to receive words of encouragement from Ma Dong-seok on set. I hope you will experience "TOKYO BURST - Crime City -" at the theater.
