Tsuyoshi Morita and Kasumi Arimura ``I was very nervous when I was suddenly asked about my hobby (laughs)'' co-starring in ``Ex-convict''

In the movie "Ex-Convict", Kasumi Arimura enthusiastically plays Kayo Agawa, a probation officer, and Tsuyoshi Morita plays Makoto Kudo, a criminal who committed murder and aims to rehabilitate. What kind of mental attitude did the two of you take on this deep and heavy work?

――It was a work that fascinated me with its sense of urgency and speed. Please tell us how you felt when you read the story for the first time and how you created the role.

Kasumi Arimura:I read the original manga, and I cherished the inspiration I felt for the character Kayo Agawa. I rubbed the human figure. Kayo is not just a hero of justice. During filming, I played while keeping in mind that he started volunteering as a probation officer in order to find the meaning of his existence in a life where he had a scar in the past and felt the difficulty of living. rice field. Also, I wanted to cherish the immaturity of her third year as a probation officer, so she doesn't know how to avoid hitting a wall yet, running with all her might, crying, laughing, getting angry. I thought it would be nice if I could see the image of the character. When I saw the completed work, it landed well as an "entertainment work" that Director Kishi was particular about, and although it is a painful work, I felt a ray of light.

Tsuyoshi Morita:I first read the original manga objectively as a story, and I thought it was dark... (laughs). Even so, Kayo's words and actions, which are close to Kudo, are very powerful and give me courage, which gives me hope. Also, because Kudo is clumsy at measuring the distance between people, the moment when he relaxes his mind by interacting with people seemed very attractive.

――I have the impression that you have played many serious roles in the past.

Morita: I like (laughs) dark stories and characters. I'm curious about the life of someone who grew up without knowing love, and for some reason I want to understand it, and I want to act.

――What kind of distance did the two of you feel during filming?

Arimura:You didn't talk much.

Morita:Yes, I did that on purpose.

Arimura:But even without exchanging words, I felt that I was connected with the character, and I thought I was building a relationship of trust.

Morita:I think that's everything. Rather than getting to know each other through conversations while waiting, I think it's more important for an actor to get a sense of security from a play.

Arimura:That's how we kept our distance and connected our feelings towards the final spurt, but after the shooting of the serious scene was over, with about two days remaining, I finally said " What are your hobbies?” (laughs)

Morita:I remember being very nervous when he suddenly asked me what my hobbies were because I thought we were going to end the conversation without a conversation (laughs).

Arimura:Ahahaha (laughs). I didn't make eye contact during the shoot... But I heard that you like plants, and your eyes are so beautiful. I thought you must be a kind person.

Morita:I get nervous easily, both at work and with people. If there is an "iron heart" that doesn't know tension, I want it (laughs).

Arimura:Actually, I have a dry side, and even if I feel happy, I can't innocently express my joy... That's why I want to become a person who can do "cute reactions" (laughs).

Morita:You don't need it, do you? (smile)

Arimura:Is it okay if I don't?

Morita:I think so.

――The two of you are active in various genres such as dramas, movies, and stage performances, but are there any works that you are psychologically attracted to, or roles that you would like to play?

Arimura:When I'm in a role, I like works with a sense of solidity and entertainment, like this one. In my private life, I like works that capture everyday life in a matter-of-fact way. For example, I am attracted to French films for their atmosphere and worldview.

Morita:Hey, that's right!

Arimura:I like to watch while expanding my imagination.

Morita:I like watching violent films.

Arimura:That's right. Have you ever performed?

Morita:I haven't acted in that kind of work yet, but I think I'll be able to see a new side of myself. I would love to perform in one day.

The movie ``Ex-convict''

Kasumi Arimura

Go Morita

*From the February 2, 2022 issue of anan. Photo by Kasai Kasai

(by anan editorial department)