Pop stars Yoshinori Masakado and Noel Kawashima go vertical in ‘Chat Boy’
The Japan Times reviews the vertical drama ‘Chat Boy’ starring Yoshinori Masakado and Noel Kawashima, exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and humanity.
Intelligence analysis by Llama
‘Chat Boy’ is a nearly two-hour drama made for smartphones, exploring the impact of AI on a person’s humanity. The film is available to watch on Starto talent agency’s S Drama YouTube channel.
Imagine watching a movie on your phone, but instead of a regular screen, it’s like watching a TikTok video. That’s what ‘Chat Boy’ is like – a movie made for smartphones that explores the impact of artificial intelligence on a person’s humanity. It’s a unique and thought-provoking film that will make you think about the future of entertainment.
Analysis
Vertical Drama: A New Visual Experience in Japan's Entertainment Industry
The recent screening of ‘Chat Boy’ at Imagica Media Studio in Tokyo’s Takeshiba neighborhood marked a significant moment in the evolution of vertical dramas in Japan. This format, closely associated with microdramas, has been gaining popularity in the country, with companies like Gokko Inc. making vertical-first dramas their main business. The format has also piqued the interest of established entertainment agencies, with Starto launching S Drama earlier this year.
‘Chat Boy’ is the latest example of the agency’s efforts, pairing Yoshinori Masakado, a member of Ae! Group, with Noel Kawashima from Travis Japan. The plot follows Utsumi, a seemingly confident manga editor whose dependence on AI chat tools has become an addiction. When government regulations suddenly prevent him from using the technology, he turns to a shady company peddling AI-powered humanoids designed to circumvent the new restrictions. Things get complicated when one of the androids happens to be a dead ringer for Utsumi’s former high school classmate Fujino.
The film’s director and crew explained that shooting vertically effectively shrinks the amount of usable space in the frame, forcing filmmakers to think differently about how they construct a shot. This has led to a more intimate and close-up style of filmmaking, with actors often placed in the center of the frame. The result is a unique visual experience that is both captivating and thought-provoking.
‘Chat Boy’ also demonstrates the evolution of the form, with its full length being closer to a conventional film: nearly 120 minutes, with English subtitles and enough plot to make the audience forget, at least temporarily, that the screen is the wrong shape for a cinema. Its thematic ambitions are also broader than the romance-heavy stories that helped establish the genre, looking at the rise of AI and how it impacts a person’s humanity.
The fact that this can also shrink down to a size that fits in the palm of your hand is one of the great developments of the (current) Reiwa Era. It feels like a new visual experience.
The Rise of Vertical Dramas in Japan
The rise of vertical dramas and micro-dramas in Japan is a significant development in the country’s entertainment industry. These short-form productions are designed for mobile viewing and have become incredibly popular in recent years. Companies like Gokko Inc. have made vertical-first dramas their main business, and established entertainment agencies like Starto are also getting in on the action.
‘Chat Boy’ is a notable example of this trend, with its unique visual style and thought-provoking themes. The film’s director and crew have done an excellent job of capturing the essence of the vertical drama format, and the result is a captivating and thought-provoking film that is sure to leave audiences talking.
The Future of Vertical Dramas in Japan
As the vertical drama format continues to evolve in Japan, it will be interesting to see where it goes next. Will it continue to be a niche format, or will it become a mainstream phenomenon? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: ‘Chat Boy’ is a significant development in the country’s entertainment industry, and it will be exciting to see what the future holds for this format.
In conclusion, ‘Chat Boy’ is a must-see for anyone interested in the rise of vertical dramas in Japan. With its unique visual style and thought-provoking themes, this film is sure to leave audiences talking. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience the future of Japanese entertainment.
Key points
- ‘Chat Boy’ is a nearly two-hour drama made for smartphones, exploring the impact of AI on a person’s humanity.
- The film is available to watch on Starto talent agency’s S Drama YouTube channel.
- Vertical dramas and micro-dramas are rising in popularity in Japan, with companies like Gokko Inc. making vertical-first dramas their main business.
- ‘Chat Boy’ is a notable example of this trend, with its unique visual style and thought-provoking themes.
- The film’s director and crew have done an excellent job of capturing the essence of the vertical drama format.
The rise of vertical dramas in Japan could lead to a new wave of innovative storytelling and filmmaking, with creators pushing the boundaries of what is possible on mobile devices. This could also lead to a more diverse range of voices and perspectives being represented in the entertainment industry.
The vertical drama format may be a niche trend that fails to gain mainstream traction, limiting its potential for widespread impact and influence. Additionally, the focus on mobile viewing may lead to a decrease in the quality of storytelling and filmmaking, as creators prioritize brevity and convenience over substance and depth.