Cast
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Eriko Hara
as Miki Morita
Miki Takahashi
as Eri Kazama
Demon Kakka
as Himself
Eiko Yamada
as Bloody Matsuki
Fumihiko Tachiki
as Reporter A
Ichiro Furutachi
as Announcer
Maria Kawamura
as Secretary
Mayumi Shou
as Dream Angel
Maya Okamoto
as Dream Angel (voice)
Michitaka Kobayashi
as Referee
Ryusuke Oobayashi
as Ring Announcer
Shozo Iizuka
as Dr. Sawada
Urara Takano
as Buster Horiguchi
Yusaku Yara
as Joe Taguchi
Shuichi Ikeda
as Tetsuma Kidō
Crew
Director
- Yasuo Hasegawa
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Wanna-Be's examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Yasuo Hasegawa 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 1986, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Wanna-Be's took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 45 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 95 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 346 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1986, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Wanna-Be's shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Saina, which focuses more on action than character development, Wanna-Be's offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Swinging Cheerleaders and Hard Times explore similar territory, Wanna-Be's stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 25, 1986
- Runtime: 45m
