About the Film
Born to atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima, Mamoru Samuragochi, a self-taught classical composer with a degenerative condition causing deafness, was celebrated as a "Japanese Beethoven" for the digital age. However, just prior to the 2014 Winter Olympics, where Samuragochi's "Sonatina for Violin" was to accompany figure skater Daisuke Takahashi, part-time university lecturer Takashi Niigaki revealed that he had served as the composer's ghostwriter for 18 years, that Samuragochi couldn't notate music and, in fact, could hear perfectly. As Samuragochi's recordings were pulled and performances cancelled, Niigaki enjoyed success on TV talk shows. Filmmaker Tatsuya Mori finds Samuragochi in his small Yokohama apartment with his wife and cat, ready to tell his side of the story. A mesmerizing character study skewering media duplicity and constructions of ability/disability, in which Samuragochi's career has collapsed, taking fact and fiction with it.
✨ The Watchlist Wizard Verdict
The Vibe: FAKE is a eye-opening, informative, and deeply engaging documentary movie from 2016. Directed by Tatsuya Mori, and starring Mamoru Samuragochi, Tatsuya Mori, Takashi Niigaki Born to atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima, Mamoru Samuragochi, a self-taught classical composer with a degenerative condition causing deafness, was celebrated as a "Japanese Beethoven" for the digital age.
Fan Reception: While holding a polarized score of 5.2/10, FAKE retains a dedicated audience who appreciate its unique premise and stylistic choices.
Who Should Watch It: Highly recommended for curious minds eager to learn about real-world events. If you enjoy movies, FAKE deserves a spot on your watchlist.
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