Messenger of death gives 24-hour notice
Ikigami: The Ultimate Limit Drama
Manga-inspired Japanese movies are continuing to hit the screen this winter, and Ikigami: The Ultimate Limit, based on a popular manga series and starring Japanese teen idols, is likely to bring a little warmth to the holiday season.
The lead role is played by Shota Matsuda, a young actor who has starred in a number of television series, such as Hana Yori Dango and Jotei. He has also won the Sponichi Grand Prize New Talent Award for his role in the movie Waruboro. The film also features Takayuki Yamada, who achieved fame for his role in Densha Otoko.
Ikigami is directed by Tomoyuki Takimoto, whose 2004 debut Ki no Umi was well received at that year's Tokyo Film Festival.
Based on an original manga series by Motoro Mase, the story is set in a place that bears a strong resemblance to Japan. It is protected by a law called 'Special Law for the Maintenance of National Prosperity', under which all children, just before they start primary school, are vaccinated.
One in every 1,000 vaccinations is a death sentence that will take effect when the child reaches the age of 25.
Only the 'state' knows who will die. These children are raised with great care, and they are allowed to cherish every day of their lives, which they do so even more because death could come early.
When somebody's time is up, an officer from the Ministry of Health and Welfare delivers the ikigami - a letter announcing impending death to the sacrificial victim in 24 hours.
The letter is a death notice, but it also grants absolute freedom to those who receive it to do anything and everything they want for their remaining 24 hours of life.
Ikigami is a movie that teaches viewers to cherish time, family and friends.
Ikigami: The Ultimate Limit opens on December 4
