GENSAN PUNCH

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STORY

　TSUYAMA Nao, a resident of Okinawa, throws himself into his ultimate goal of becoming a professional boxer. What truly distinguishes him is his remarkable resilience in the face of adversity - he wears a prosthetic leg, a result of losing it below the knee during his childhood. Despite this physical challenge, Nao remains undeterred, unwavering in his pursuit of success. Setting his sights on competing at the highest level, Nao applied for a professional license from the Japan Boxing Commission. Unfortunately, his application is met with disappointment as the commission rejects it on the grounds of not fulfilling their specific physical requirements. Nevertheless, he refuses to let this setback define the outcome of his lifelong dream, discovering an opportunity in the Philippines - a chance to become a professional boxer. In this country, he can obtain the coveted license by winning all three fights in a tournament exclusively designed for aspiring professional boxers. Alongside him stands his steadfast trainer, Rudy, who shares a similar journey as he too embraces life with a prosthetic leg. Together, Nao and Rudy embark on an extraordinary journey in the Philippines. Their road to success unfolds against a backdrop of diverse values and customs, as Nao and Rudy bravely confront the challenges that arise. United, they take their inaugural steps towards achieving their dreams, defying societal expectations and illuminating the strength and determination that transcends the confines of physical limitations.

CAST

SHOGEN,Ronnie Lazaro,Beauty Gonzales,Beauty Gonzales

STAFF

Director＆Producer：Brillante Ma Mendoza
Screenwriter：Honee Alipio
Director of Photography：Joshua A. Reyles
Editors：Ysabelle Denoga Armando “Bing” Lao Peter Arian Vito
Sound：Albert Micheal Idioma
Music：Diwa De Leon
Production Designer：Dante Mendoza
Producers：Takahiro Yamashita Krisma Maclang Fajardo

Info

Year of production: 2021
Country: Japan・Philippines
Running time: 110min
Language: Japanese・English・Tagalog

Official Site

Director

Brillante Ma MENDOZA
　Born on July 30, 1960, in San Fernando, Philippines, Brillante Ma MENDOZA began his career in film as a production designer before transitioning into a successful commercial director. His debut feature film, "Manila Daydream" (2005), received widespread acclaim and gained international recognition by winning the Golden Leopard for Best Video at the Locarno International Film Festival. MENDOZA's unique talent and perspective as a filmmaker were further recognized when he received the Best Director Award at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival for his film "Kinatay: Manila Underground" (2009). This recognition continued as his film "Grandmother" (2009) was selected for Competition at the 66th Venice International Film Festival. In 2012, MENDOZA's work continued to captivate audiences with his film "Captive," starring Isabelle Huppert, competing at the 62nd Berlin International Film Festival. It is worth noting that MENDOZA has also exhibited his exceptional skills as a production designer, often credited under the name Dante Mendoza, in nearly all of his films. This sports-themed film marks a new venture for MENDOZA, as he explores a different genre within his impressive filmography.