''Midnight'' (

Japanese Japanese may refer to: * Something from or related to Japan, an island country in East Asia * Japanese language, spoken mainly in Japan * Japanese people, the ethnic group that identifies with Japan through ancestry or culture ** Japanese diaspor ...

: ミッドナイト) is a 2024 Japanese short live-action film based on the manga series of the same name by

Osamu Tezuka Osamu Tezuka (, born , ''Tezuka Osamu'', – 9 February 1989) was a Japanese manga artist, cartoonist and animator. Considered to be among the greatest and most influential cartoonists of all time, his prolific output, pioneering techniques an ...

. It was directed by

Takashi Miike is a Japanese film director, film producer and screenwriter. He has directed over 100 feature film, video, and television productions since his debut in 1991. His films span a variety of different genres, ranging from violent and surrealism, b ...

. The short film was released on Apple's Youtube channel free of charge on March 6, 2024.

Plot

Midnight is a taxi driver who operates during the late hours in Tokyo and offers aid to those in need. He helps a young woman struggling to take over her deceased father's trucking business while facing off against a sinister local gang led by a malevolent boss.

Cast

Production

Apple released the short film ''Midnight'', shot entirely on an iPhone, which encourages people to capture photos and videos exclusively using their iPhone. On March 6, a press premiere screening took place with the presence of

Kento Kaku is a Japanese actor born in Tokyo. He has appeared in a number of feature films, television series, and stage productions. He is represented by Amuse, Inc. His wife is actress Nana Eikura. Biography He made his acting debut in films in 2007. In ...

, Konatsu Kato,

Yukiyoshi Ozawa is an American-born Japanese actor. He gained notable fame near the end of 2017 for his involvement in the ''Long Long Man'' commercials produced by UHA for their Sakeru Gummy brand, in which he portrayed the titular character. Biography He is ...

, and director

. "Midnight Klaxon Baby" by

Thee Michelle Gun Elephant Thee Michelle Gun Elephant (often abbreviated to TMGE) was a Japanese garage rock band formed in 1991. History The band was formed in 1991,Strong, Martin C. (2003) ''The Great Indie Discography'', Canongate, , p. 1025-6 while Chiba, Ueno, and Kuh ...

was used as the closing theme. Apple Japan aired a video showing behind-the-scenes footage of Miike utilizing different iPhone features like cinematic mode and action mode. Also, It released the original soundtrack of the short on Apple Music.

References

External links

* * {{Takashi Miike 2024 short films Films directed by Takashi Miike Japanese short films Works about taxi drivers Films about taxis Live-action films based on manga Films based on works by Osamu Tezuka