■ “It was a really wonderful shoot, and I was able to truly become Luca (Kirie). This is a work that I treasure.” (Aina the End)
The world premiere screening of “Luka on the Streets,” which will be broadcast on TV for the first time on the Japanese Movie Channel from July 28th, was held at Shinjuku Wald 9 on July 25th.
This is a director’s cut version of the film “Kyrie no Uta,” re-edited by director Shunji Iwai himself.
In the stage greeting held before the screening, Aina the End, who played the main character Luca (Kirie), and director Shunji Iwai appeared on stage. They spoke passionately about their joy at having people watch “Rojo no Luca” for the first time, as well as the highlights and attention to detail of the film.
Aina the End said, “It was a truly wonderful set, and I was able to truly become “Luka (Kirie)”. It is a work that I treasure. I would be happy if I could continue to love it with everyone from now on.” Director Iwai said, “We were able to film this in a relaxed atmosphere with Aina the End, who has a unique worldview, as well as the other cast and staff. I would love to make a movie with Aina again.”
Finally, both of them gave messages to the audience, which created a lot of excitement in the venue.
“Luka on the Streets” (10 episodes) will be broadcast exclusively on TV for the first time on the Japanese Movie Channel from 6:30pm on July 28th.
■Aina the End Comment
I am very happy that this work, which was reborn from “Kyrie no Uta,” has been released to the world and can now be seen. “Kyrie no Uta” and “Rojo no Luca” were unique productions, and just being with Director Shunji Iwai, Suzu Hirose, and Hokuto Matsumura really made me become “Luca (Kyrie)” from the bottom of my heart. I don’t think I will ever again have that kind of sensibility, or sing a song like that. I want everyone to listen to the songs that only Kyrie from that era could sing.
The film includes many scenes in which people are beautifully photographed using Director Iwai’s natural lighting, so I hope you will pay attention to those as well.
■ Comment from Director Shunji Iwai
Finally, “Luka on the Streets” is being unveiled. I am overjoyed that my ideas have become a work and that everyone can finally see it.
All of the scenes that had been cut with a heavy heart, such as “Kyrie – Hymn of Mercy” and the scene where Kirie and Natsuhiko meet, have been brought back.
The timeline is different, so I think even those who have seen “Kyrie no Uta” will be able to enjoy this work with a fresh perspective.
Program Information
Japanese Movie Channel“Luke on the Streets” (10 episodes)
Exclusive TV broadcast from 18:30 on Sunday, July 28th
Cast: Aina the End, Hokuto Matsumura, Haru Kuroki, Suzu Hirose
Nijiro Murakami, Yuya Matsuura, Hideyuki Kasahara, Soshina (Shimofuri Myojo), Hana Yayama, Tabito Nanao, Robert Campbell, Ai Otsuka, Yuko Ando
Yosuke Eguchi, Michiko Yoshise, Shinji Higuchi, Megumi Okina, Miyoko Asada, Tatsuya Ishii, Kosuke Toyohara, Marika Matsumoto, Yukiya Kitamura
Original story, script and direction: Shunji Iwai
Music: Takeshi Kobayashi
(C)2023 Kyrie Film Band
“Luke on the Street” production site
https://www.nihon-eiga.com/osusume/rojo-no-ruka/
“Kyrie no Uta” production site
https://kyrie-movie.com/
AINA THE END OFFICIAL SITE
https://ainatheend.jp/