Maru, also known as The Circle, was officially released on February 21, 2024. This film is directed by Naoko Ogigami, a filmmaker who has previously won awards at the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale).
About the Film “Maru”
Maru is a collaborative project between Naoko Ogigami and producer Masako Yamada, following their previous work on the Japanese drama Shall We Have a Cup of Coffee? (2021).
After winning the Best Director award at the Japan Film Critics Awards for her previous film, Ripple, Ogigami once again challenges herself by directing and writing a uniquely crafted story.
The film Maru tells the fantasy of an eccentric and emotional artist inspired by Tsuyoshi Domoto.
Naoko Ogigami even visited Taiwan for a discussion session after the film screening, where she shared insights with fans.
Aside from the main character Sawada, played by Tsuyoshi Domoto—an artist who suddenly goes viral—other surrounding characters also have their own unique traits.
For example, Go Ayano plays Yokoyama, a manga artist and neighbor with an eccentric personality who frequently yells, disturbing those around him.
Meanwhile, Riho Yoshioka plays Yajima, Sawada’s former colleague who despises capitalism and cannot tolerate his passive attitude toward life.
Go Ayano as the Negative-Energy Neighbor
Naoko Ogigami jokingly stated that the character Yokoyama, played by Go Ayano, represents her own darker thoughts.
While working with two actors named “Go” in this film, Ogigami was particularly impressed by a scene where Go Ayano kicks the wall of a room.
“As an actor experienced in action scenes, this was no problem for him. He managed to kick the wall in just one take.
When the crew asked if he was okay, he simply laughed and said, ‘Not a problem at all!’” Ogigami shared.
She also admitted that Go Ayano’s expressive acting made Yokoyama—a character filled with negative energy and aggression—still appear engaging to the audience.
Read:
10 Underrated Japanese Dramas of 2024 You Shouldn’t Miss!
Filming on Celluloid
This film was shot using celluloid film. Ogigami revealed that, as her 10th feature film, she wanted to fulfill her dream of using celluloid, especially since this time the production budget was larger.
She also favored the fresh and natural look of the first takes, which led her to avoid excessive retakes.
For the main setting, Sawada’s room was built in an old apartment in Yokohama, designed in detail by the art team to function as both a studio and living space.
Tsuyoshi Domoto Draws a Perfect Circle with His Left Hand
The story begins when Sawada notices an ant in his room and spontaneously draws a circle around it—a simple act that ends up changing his life.
This scene not only encapsulates the core concept of The Circle but also serves as a turning point in the storyline.
At this moment, Tsuyoshi Domoto showcased remarkable skill by drawing a perfect circle with his left hand, astonishing the entire crew and earning a round of applause.
Maru Film Synopsis
Sawada (played by Tsuyoshi Domoto) is an art school graduate struggling to make a living as an artist.
He works merely as an assistant to a renowned contemporary artist, lacking ambition to create his own work.
However, an accident on his way to work leaves him with an injured hand, causing him to lose his job.
Upon returning to his apartment, he spots an ant on the floor.
As if receiving a sign, he draws a circle around it.
Unexpectedly, this simple circle drawing goes viral on social media, turning him into a mysterious artist known as “Sawada.”
Despite his sudden fame, he starts feeling bound to the circle… (watch the film to find out what happens next).
