Director Lee Sang-il's 'The Great Work' Shatters Japanese Box Office, Reaching 2nd Highest Grossing Live-Action Film

Director Lee Sang-il, a filmmaker of Korean descent based in Japan, has achieved a monumental success with his latest film, 'The Great Work' (Japanese Title:Rw). The movie has climbed to become the second highest-grossing live-action film in Japanese box office history.

As of the 10th, 'The Great Work' has garnered over 12.07 million admissions in Japan, raking in an impressive 17 billion yen. This remarkable feat places it firmly in the top ranks of Japanese cinema, a significant achievement in a market historically dominated by animation.

'The Great Work' delves into the world of Kabuki, a traditional Japanese performing art, chronicling the intense lives of two men. Despite the potentially exclusive nature of the Kabuki subject matter, Director Lee's nuanced approach has captivated audiences.

"In Japan, anime has always been dominant, and live-action films have faced challenges. However, if a film can break through to audiences based on its own merit, that's what audiences truly desire," stated Director Lee, expressing confidence in his work.

The film's success has also breathed new life into the Kabuki art form, which had experienced a period of decline. Reports suggest that 'The Great Work' is sparking renewed interest in Kabuki, particularly among younger generations.

With 'The Great Work' set to release in Korea, the film faces another potential showdown with Japanese animation. Director Lee's confidence, however, suggests audiences are in for a compelling cinematic experience.

Netizens are showering Director Lee with praise, commenting things like, 'Director Lee is a genius!', 'It's so proud that a Korean director is achieving this in Japan,' and 'It's amazing that a film about Kabuki reached 10 million viewers in Japan.'