Shun Oguri and Masami Nagasawa to star in live-action “Gaku” adaptation

Back in January, the magazine Big Comic Original revealed that Shinichi Ishizuka’s mountain-climbing manga “Gaku: Minna no Yama” would be turned into a live-action film to be released sometime in 2011. No further details had been available until earlier today, when Toho officially announced the project to the media.

Filming is currently underway under the direction of Osamu Katayama (Heat Island) and is expected to wrap in July. Actor Shun Oguri (Crows Zero) will play a mountain rescue team volunteer named Sanpo and Masami Nagasawa (Magare! Spoon) will co-star as a new team member named Kumi. The film’s budget is said to be around 1 billion yen (~$10 million USD).

Although shooting began only a few days ago, Oguri began training under a professional mountain guide way back in December—in part, to overcome his fear of heights. Nagasawa, who had to sacrifice 12 inches of length from her hair for the role, also participated in mountain training.

Supporting cast members were also announced. Kuranosuke Sasaki (42) will play the chief of the rescue team, Takuya Ishida (23) will play a team member, Atsuro Watabe (41) will play a rescue pilot, and Yoshie Ichige (59) will play the manager of a mountain cottage.

No official release date has been decided yet, but Toho has it listed for 2011.

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Sources: Tokyograph, Sankei Sports

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