Backdrop preview I Won a Big Prize! backdrop
I Won a Big Prize!

I Won a Big Prize! (2024)

Mar 23, 2024 1h Comedy Drama

The story follows four childhood friends who grew up in an orphanage: Akira, Jun, Tsukasa and Yuuto. They work hard to make ends meet, but every end of the year, they buy lottery tickets together. That year, one of the 10 lottery tickets they bought randomly won first prize! However, the winning ticket suddenly disappears, and the four friends become suspicious of each other and start looking for the culprit among themselves…

Directed by Ryosuke Yanagisawa

Cast

View All

Crew

Director
  • Ryosuke Yanagisawa
Writer
  • Ryohei Abe

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!
Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, I Won a Big Prize! examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Ryosuke Yanagisawa brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2024, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of I Won a Big Prize! took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 60 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 117 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.

Historical Context

  • In 2024, when this film is released:
  • The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
  • Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While I Won a Big Prize! shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Foxfire, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, I Won a Big Prize! subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like (Nie)znajomi and Ian Abramson: The Heist explore similar territory, I Won a Big Prize! stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: March 23, 2024
  • Runtime: 1h