Apple, in collaboration with TBWA\Media Arts Lab Tokyo and renowned director Takashi Miike, has brought Osamu Tezuka's "Midnight" comic series to life in a new captivating short film.
A riveting addition to the tech giant's ongoing "Shot on iPhone" campaign, the 19-minute adaptation seamlessly integrates various plot lines from the original comics, showcasing Midnight's heroic endeavors.
Apple released "Midnight", a live action short film based on Osamu Tezuka's manga (and shot on iPhone 15 Pro).
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'Midnight' Characters Portrayed by Known Japanese Actors
In the film, Midnight, portrayed by famous actor Kento Kaku, finds himself thrust into a high-stakes situation as he embarks on a mission to rescue a girl pursued by a group of relentless hitmen.
Popular actress Konatsu Kato takes on the role of Kaede, the female protagonist, while American-born actor Yukiyoshi Ozawa portrays the menacing villain.
Director Miike himself assumes the character of Kaede's father, adding a personal touch to the production.
Akio Otsuka lends his voice to the narration, reminiscent of his role in "Black Jack," another Tezuka manga adaptation.
Yusuke Watanabe, renowned for his work in TV, anime and film, penned the script.
The True Prowess of the iPhone 15 Pro
What sets this adaptation apart is its ingenious use of the iPhone 15 Pro's advanced camera features, extensively utilizing the device's low-light capabilities to capture the essence of the film's night-time escapades.
Additionally, the iPhone's impressive stabilization technology enables breathtaking action sequences, particularly during the film's adrenaline-fueled car chases.
Director Miike expressed his reverence for Tezuka's legacy, stating, "Mr. Tezuka is something of a god among manga artists, so it was an honor to take on the challenge of expressing his work using only iPhone."
"As we were shooting, I naturally began to challenge myself to think about how we could make a work unique to iPhone, beyond the usual approach to a film. I truly felt that the iPhone has the power to do things that a conventional movie camera can’t.”
Midnight premiered on YouTube and will be available on Apple Japan's website, Abema TV and Apple TV.
Additionally, select taxis in Tokyo will feature screenings of the film from 10 p.m. until dawn, giving people the chance to experience Midnight's world during the late hours.
The short film is the latest installation to grace Apple's longstanding "Shot on iPhone" campaign, which aims to spotlight the phone's superior camera abilities.
Previously, the tech giant collaborated with South Korean girl group NewJeans to create a music video for their hit single "ETA."
The three-minute music video, utilizing both wide-angle and close-up shots, was filmed purely with an iPhone 14 Pro.
Other collaborators for the campaign include American singer-songwriter Lady Gaga, whose music video for "Stupid Love" was shot using the iPhone 11.