■ “I hope that through this film people can understand why I fight.” (Katsuyuki Mori)
At the age of 22, at the height of his popularity as a member of SMAP, Mori Katsuyuki turned to his childhood dream of becoming an auto racer. A documentary film that delves into the depths of his life, “Auto Racer Mori Katsuyuki: The Promised Oval – The Movie,” will be released nationwide on November 29th.
In 1996, Mori Katsuyuki, who made the transition from a top idol to an auto racer while attracting attention from all over Japan, finally achieved his long-cherished dream of winning his first Japan Championship on November 3, 2020, after 24 years. However, just 82 days later, he fell off his bike during a race and suffered serious injuries that put his life in danger.
What was Mori thinking and what supported him during the two years leading up to his return to racing, during which he underwent numerous surgeries and intensive rehabilitation? What motivated him to continue racing, even after suffering an injury that threatened his career? And what is Mori Katsuyuki thinking now that he has turned 50? Through three years of filming in hospitals, race tracks, and places that hold childhood memories, and through extensive interviews with his family, fellow racers, his doctor, and Mori himself, what emerges is the unchanging bond and passion he has with his family and friends.
Based on “Auto Racer Mori Katsuyuki: To the Promised Oval,” which was screened at the TBS Documentary Film Festival in March 2023, this film has been re-edited with a significant amount of additional footage. It is a completely new content that brings to light the source of Mori Katsuyuki’s indomitable fighting spirit.
The director, Hosaka Yuki, fell in love with the way people live in the forest after doing some research for a television program.
Regarding the release of the film, Mori commented, “I hope that through this film people will be able to understand why I fight.”
Comment from Katsuyuki Mori
28 years ago, I decided to live in the world of auto racing, not on the stage of showbiz. Although an injury three years ago left me paralyzed in the legs, there are still many challenges I want to take on at this oval. I’m not 50 anymore, I’m still 50. I hope that through this film, viewers can feel the reason why I fight.■Comment from Director Yuki Hosaka
Mori Katsuyuki walked on the same legs that people had told him he might never walk again, and made a comeback with a body that was thought to be hopeless, returning to the forefront of professional baseball. I was enamoured with his way of life, where he sometimes publicly proclaims dreams that are too big, and keeps pushing himself until he achieves them, so I have been filming him for the past three years. I think that his fearlessness in taking on challenges no matter how old he is will remind us of the important things we may have forgotten.
Movie Information
“Auto Racer Mori Katsuyuki: The Promised Oval Movie Edition”
Friday, November 29th: Shinjuku Piccadilly, Kadokawa Cinema Yurakucho and other theaters nationwide
Cast: Katsuyuki Mori
Director and cinematographer: Yuki Hosaka
Production: TBS
Planning and production: TBS Television News Department, News Content Strategy Office
Production company: TBS Sparkle
Distributor: KADOKAWA
(C)TBS
Official movie website
autoracer-mori.com
Katsuyuki Mori OFFICIAL SITE
https://katsuyuki-mori.jp/
