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- Unlikely Partnership of Atsuko Maeda and Hideo Nakata Leads to Horror in "The Complex"
- 2013.03.24
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Unlikely Partnership of Atsuko Maeda and Hideo Nakata Leads to Horror in "The Complex"
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Now that Atsuko Maeda has “graduated” from the multi-multi-member pop group AKB 48, she has more time to pursue other projects, including acting.
This past Sunday, attendees of the 5th Annual Okinawa International Movie Festival were treated to the Asia premiere of her new feature film, The Complex. Set in a run-down Japanese housing project, the film was directed by Hideo Nakata, known to many around the world as the creative genius behind The Ring.
Returning to the horror genre, Nakata crafts a story that revolves around Maeda’s character, Asuka, and the terrors that she faces following an unfortunate move to a haunted apartment.
Prior to the screening, both Maeda and Nakata took to the stage to introduce the movie to the assembled audience. Maeda’s entry was greeted by the typical screams, as zealous fans showed their enthusiasm for the 21 year-old. “I was really encouraged by all of the screaming,” she said, as she took the mic with a beaming smile on her face.
Wearing a grey dress with shiny top and a diaphanous lower portion, together with matching shoes, Maeda looked every bit the fashionable mega movie star-in-the-making. Male lead, Hiroki Narimiya (Nana, Ace Attorney), was also present, and cut a smart figure in black, as did director Nakata. Narimiya commented that the film was “a true Japanese horror movie”, and assured those gathered that they would not be disappointed.
One extra note of excitement came, as Maeda was surprised on stage when the child star of the film burst through the backdrop. Apparently, director Nakata was in on the plan, and laughed heartily as Maeda shrieked and giggled at the appearance. Overall, it was plain to see that the gathered audience got exactly what they wanted- a lot of Maeda on stage, and later in the film.
At 106 minutes, The Complex is set to start its theatrical run in Japan May.
