[Report]The filming site of the movie "Pride and Goodness" starring Kis-My-Ft2's Fujigaya Taisuke and Nao is filled with enthusiasm from the cast and staff

■ “I hope this film will help people to love themselves for the imperfections they’re experiencing and move forward.” (Director Kentaro Hagiwara)

A report from the set has arrived for the film “Pride and Goodness” (released September 27th), co-starring Fujigaya Taisuke (Kis-My-Ft2) and Nao.

The film, which began shooting in Tokyo in November 2023, was shot in real locations, mainly in Omotesando, Jingumae, Nakameguro, Aoyama, and Marunouchi, as a love encounter that begins on a matching app. Fujigaya Taisuke, who had long aspired to be made into a movie and finally got the role of Kaori, was full of enthusiasm, actively communicating on set. The scene that was shot on this day was the morning before Mami (Nao) disappears after her engagement. Kaori’s urban and stylish room is elaborately designed down to the last detail, and Director Hagiwara says, “I think you can feel Kaori’s arrogance from the fact that I renovated both my house and office to my liking, and customized the Geländewagen that I drive.”

As preparations begin, Nao makes suggestions to Director Hagiwara about the timing of her lines, and other fine adjustments are made. When Maki suggests, “How about a garden wedding?”, Kagami replies, “Anything is fine with me.” Although it may seem like an ordinary day for a cohabiting couple, it is an important scene that also gives a glimpse of each other’s arrogance. The geraniums that Maki is watering here are also found in Maki’s family home, and represent her inability to break free from her mother’s influence. The flower language of white geraniums is “falsehood, indecisiveness, not believing in your love.”

The latter half of the story was shot in Saga. In between takes, Fujigaya and Nao were seen discussing their roles with Director Hagiwara, asking each other, “If it were Ka, would Makoto do this?” Through these repeated conversations, the moving climax scene in which Ka and Makoto reveal everything was born. The original climax of the film, which is not in the original work, where Ka and Makoto’s feelings overflow, combined with the sunset scenery, made for a heart-warming and moving scene.

Director Hagiwara commented on the film, “While filming, I kept thinking about what arrogance and kindness really are. I think they are two sides of the same coin. I hope that this film will help people who are struggling to live in today’s society to accept the negative aspects within themselves, love themselves for their imperfections, and move forward.” The film’s theme of the importance of facing the people in front of you also emerges from the production site, where the cast and staff were filled with enthusiasm.

Be sure to check out the movie theater to see the “once in a lifetime decision” that Ka and Mami finally reach.

Movie Information

“Pride and Kindness”
Nationwide release on Friday, September 27th
Cast: Taisuke Fujigaya and Nao
Yuki Kura Nanami Sakuraba / Kenji Anan Yoshiko Miyazaki
Naomi Nishida Minami Maeda
Original work: “Pride and Kindness” by Mizuki Tsujimura (published by Asahi Bunko/Asahi Shimbun Publications)
Director: Kentaro Hagiwara
Screenplay: Yukako Shimizu
Theme song: Natori “Thread Telephone”
Distributor: Asmik Ace

“Pride and Goodness” movie website
https://gomantozenryo.asmik-ace.co.jp/