Achilles and the Tortoise (2008)

Achilles and the Tortoise is the third film in a “self-reflective” trilogy by director Takeshi Kitano which also included Takeshis’ and Glory to the Filmmaker! It was co-released by Tokyo Theatres Co., Inc. and Office Kitano on September 20, 2008.

Kitano plays Machisu Kuramochi. As a young boy, Machisu lived a privileged life as the son of a wealthy business owner and spent all his free time painting. However, his life completely changed when his father’s company went bankrupt and both his parents committed suicide.

Machisu sticks with his painting and eventually marries a woman who supports and understands him fully even though he goes years without having any success. The couple endure the criticism of those around them as they focus on their shared hopes and goals.