The Japanese drama “Raven-colored Judicial Team,” starring the talented male actor Takanouchi Yosuke and the multiple-time winner of the Japanese Academy Award for Best Actress, Hikari Mitsuhima, was a hit when it aired in 2021. It even captured the top spot in the Monday 9 p.m. time slot. Now, the duo is back together for the release of the movie version, “Raven-colored Judicial Team Movie Version.”
Takanouchi Yosuke portrays the eccentric and free-spirited Judge Michio Iruma, who spares no effort in investigating cases to uncover the truth. Hikari Mitsuhima plays Chizuru Sakama, an elite judge who is methodical and logical, often finding herself at odds with Iruma’s unorthodox methods. This drama marked the first time a Japanese TV series put criminal judges in the spotlight, delving deep into human nature while unraveling the truth behind various incidents, a concept that resonated with audiences in Taiwan as well.
The movie version not only features Takanouchi Yosuke and Hikari Mitsuhima but also includes popular actors Saito Takumi and Mukai Osamu, former member of “Nogizaka46” idol group Nishino Nanase, the handsome and renowned actor Hayashi Yuichi, the seasoned actress Yoshida Yo, and popular voice actor Tsuda Kenjiro from “Jujutsu Kaisen.” With such a star-studded cast, the film has grossed nearly 1.1 billion Japanese yen in Japan, sparking lively discussions once again.
Returning to the set of “Raven-colored Judicial Team,” Takanouchi Yosuke expressed his gratitude to the audience for their strong support: “Even after some time has passed since the TV drama ended, we continued to hear many voices wanting a sequel and warm support. The fact that we could release a movie version is all thanks to the support from our audience. I am very happy to bring back ‘Raven-colored Judicial Team’ once again.”
He also admitted his initial concern about reconnecting with his character: “Because some time had passed, I was anxious about whether I could embody the role again. But upon hearing Hikari’s voice, there was a sudden rush of memories coming back.”
Hikari Mitsuhima added, “Meeting Mr. Michio Iruma again, I feel that the connection is gradually returning.”
In this film, the banter between Michio Iruma and Chizuru Sakama is a major highlight.
Hikari Mitsuhima shared insights on how they established the relationship between their characters: “Chizuru speaks to Iruma very directly, she is someone who seeks answers thoroughly and directly. However, Iruma is always nonchalant towards Chizuru. Initially, I couldn’t quite grasp the rhythm of their interactions, but through the director’s staging and the back-and-forth scenes with Takanouchi Yosuke, I gradually caught onto the back-and-forth banter without spending too much time building the relationship between the two characters.”
Collaborating once again with Takanouchi Yosuke in the movie version, Hikari Mitsuhima stated, “Iruma is an outlandish judge, but also a charming and likable character. His words are so convincing, and I believe this is due to Takanouchi Yosuke’s thorough infusion of the character with soul. I could deeply feel this on the set of the movie.”
Newcomer to the cast in the movie version, Saito Takumi, a self-proclaimed fan of Japanese dramas, expressed his excitement about the film. He shared many scenes opposite Hikari Mitsuhima and mentioned his joy in co-starring with her.
Mukai Osamu, playing the youngest Defense Minister in history, talked about the highlights of the movie version: “As a work born in the courtroom, this film is not only entertaining but also provides a refreshing sense of satisfaction in witnessing the interpersonal relationships of the characters and the subtle hints scattered throughout the storyline. I hope everyone will go watch the movie in theaters.”
The “Raven-colored Judicial Team Movie Version” is set to premiere in Taiwan on May 17th.