K5 Intl. has come on board for worldwide sales of the feature film “Ravens,” starring Tadanobu Asano, Emmy nominated for “Shōgun,” and Kumi Takuichi.

The film is directed by Mark Gill, known for Morrissey portrait “England Is Mine” (2017), and short film “The Voorman Problem” (2011), which was Oscar and BAFTA nominated.

K5 Intl. will present “Ravens” at a special screening at Toronto Film Festival and the film will have its world premiere at the Austin Film Festival at the end of October, as Variety exclusively announced.

The film depicts the turbulent love-triangle between maverick Japanese photographer Masahisa Fukase, his model and wife Yoko, and Fukase’s Art, incarnated as an eight-foot talking Raven. “Tender, mischievous and packing emotional sucker-punches, ‘Ravens’ maps the peaks, troughs and collateral damage of a life devoted to art,” according to a statement.

The film is produced by Minded Factory, Vestapol, Ark Entertainment, Katsize Films and The Y House Films in association with Teamo Production HQ LTD (TPHQ) and Townhouse Media Filmworks. Its producers are Orian Williams, Cyril Cadars, Megumi Fukasawa Ishii, Gill, Hideki Kawamura, Hiroyasu Nagata, David Barrera, Johanna Horn, Mohaan Naader, Nitsa Benchetrit, Henry Gillet and Sam Fayed.

K5 Intl.’s CEO Daniel Baur said: “Tadanobu Asano and Kumi Takiuchi deliver an enigmatic performance that brings this powerful, tragic and eternal love story of Masahisa and Yoko back to life. We are thrilled to be working with exceptionally talented director Mark Gill and bringing his movie to audiences worldwide.”

Gill said: “The first time I saw Fukase’s photographs, I sensed the presence of genius and felt a hunger to discover the man behind the camera. I soon realized Fukase’s story was intertwined with that of Yoko, his wife, collaborator and survivor. (I don’t call her a muse – she was more active than passive, and the film is her story, too.)

“But could I, a Japanophile Brit, recreate these lives and the postwar Shōwa art scene they inhabited? Might my outsider’s eye afford an objectivity to offset my foreignness?

“When I succeed with these challenges, I thank the cast and crew who guided my decisions and enriched the project with what I can only call love. Making ‘Ravens’ in the oven of a Tokyo summer was the most magical experience, and I am indecently proud of what we created together.”

As well as his performance in FX’s “Shōgun,” Asano is known for his roles in Marvel’s “Thor” trilogy, “Harmonium,” Cannes Un Certain Regard jury prize winner in 2016, and the classic “Ichi the Killer” (2001).

Takiuchi, who plays Yoko in “Ravens,” appeared in “A Balance,” winner of the New Currents Award for best film at Busan in 2020.

“Ravens” is slated for general release in Japan in March 2025 by Ark Entertainment, and in France for spring 2025.

K5 Intl. was relaunched by Baur with a new team last year. The first project on its new slate is Kevin Costner’s “Horizon: An American Saga.” The first chapter premiered in Cannes and was released by Warner Bros./New Line this summer. “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2” will have its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival on Saturday.

Meet Tadanobu Asano: A Versatile Actor

Tadanobu Asano has established himself as a versatile actor with a diverse portfolio. From his Emmy-nominated role in ‘Shogun’ to appearances in Hollywood blockbusters, Asano’s talent is recognized globally. His ability to delve into complex characters makes him a sought-after performer in international cinema. His performances in movies like Marvel’s ‘Thor’ trilogy and the critically acclaimed ‘Harmonium’ demonstrate his range and depth. In ‘Ravens’, Asano is expected to bring a nuanced performance that adds to the film’s rich storytelling.

The actor’s unique approach to inhabiting his characters has been a hallmark of his career. Asano’s ability to communicate intense emotion with subtlety makes him an ideal fit for ‘Ravens’, a film that promises to explore deep themes through its narrative and characters. His collaboration with director Mark Gill, known for ‘England Is Mine’, ensures a synergy that is likely to result in a distinctive cinematic experience. Asano’s track record certainly speaks volumes about his dedication to his craft.

The Plot of ‘Ravens’

‘Ravens’ promises to be an intriguing addition to the world of cinema, weaving a narrative rich with suspense and character development. While specific plot details are closely guarded, the film is said to explore themes of identity and belonging, offering audiences a thought-provoking experience. According to Variety, the story revolves around a love triangle involving Japanese photographer Masahisa Fukase, his wife Yoko, and an eight-foot-tall talking Raven.

What sets ‘Ravens’ apart is its unique blend of fantasy and reality, allowing viewers to be drawn into a compelling world where art and love coincide. The film delves into the intricate dynamics between the characters, drawing upon rich emotional depth and artistry. This approach is sure to captivate audiences, making ‘Ravens’ not just another film, but an experience. With a stellar performance from Asano, viewers can expect a narrative that’s engaging from start to finish.

K5 Intl.’s CEO Daniel Baur said: “Tadanobu Asano and Kumi Takiuchi deliver an enigmatic performance that brings this powerful, tragic and eternal love story of Masahisa and Yoko back to life. We are thrilled to be working with exceptionally talented director Mark Gill and bringing his movie to audiences worldwide.”

Gill said: “The first time I saw Fukase’s photographs, I sensed the presence of genius and felt a hunger to discover the man behind the camera. I soon realized Fukase’s story was intertwined with that of Yoko, his wife, collaborator and survivor. (I don’t call her a muse – she was more active than passive, and the film is her story, too.)

“But could I, a Japanophile Brit, recreate these lives and the postwar Shōwa art scene they inhabited? Might my outsider’s eye afford an objectivity to offset my foreignness?

“When I succeed with these challenges, I thank the cast and crew who guided my decisions and enriched the project with what I can only call love. Making ‘Ravens’ in the oven of a Tokyo summer was the most magical experience, and I am indecently proud of what we created together.”

As well as his performance in FX’s “Shōgun,” Asano is known for his roles in Marvel’s “Thor” trilogy, “Harmonium,” Cannes Un Certain Regard jury prize winner in 2016, and the classic “Ichi the Killer” (2001).

Takiuchi, who plays Yoko in “Ravens,” appeared in “A Balance,” winner of the New Currents Award for best film at Busan in 2020.

“Ravens” is slated for general release in Japan in March 2025 by Ark Entertainment, and in France for spring 2025.

K5 Intl. was relaunched by Baur with a new team last year. The first project on its new slate is Kevin Costner’s “Horizon: An American Saga.” The first chapter premiered in Cannes and was released by Warner Bros./New Line this summer. “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2” will have its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival on Saturday.

The Impact of K5 International’s Involvement

K5 International’s decision to board ‘Ravens’ signals its potential as a significant cinematic work. Known for their commitment to groundbreaking projects, K5 International’s involvement is a testament to the film’s promising storyline and compelling cast. The partnership between K5 International and the production team, including Minded Factory, brings together an exceptional collective of industry professionals. This collaboration is expected to elevate ‘Ravens’ to a global audience, thanks to the company’s extensive reach and influence in the film industry.

K5 International’s CEO Daniel Baur emphasized their excitement in bringing ‘Ravens’ to life, highlighting the enigmatic performances of Tadanobu Asano and Kumi Takiuchi as pivotal to the film’s impact. The company’s vision for international distribution aligns with the film’s universal themes, allowing it to resonate with diverse audiences. Their involvement underscores the film’s potential to not only entertain but also to provoke discussion and reflection on its profound themes.

What Tadanobu Asano Brings to the Table

Asano’s involvement in ‘Ravens’ is expected to elevate the film to new heights. His nuanced artistry and ability to embody complex emotions are set to bring depth to his character, leaving an indelible mark on the film’s narrative. As an actor, Asano has a remarkable ability to embody his roles with authenticity and depth, bringing characters to life in a way that feels both genuine and relatable. This quality will undoubtedly enhance ‘Ravens’, particularly as it explores intricate emotional and artistic narratives.

With past performances in films such as ‘Ichi the Killer’ and ‘Harmonium’, Asano has demonstrated an uncanny ability to convey depth and intensity, making him a perfect choice for the lead in ‘Ravens’. His reputation for selecting challenging roles that push creative boundaries speaks to his dedication to the craft and provides a glimpse of what audiences can expect in his latest project. Undoubtedly, Asano’s participation will lend a distinctive edge to ‘Ravens’, captivating audiences with his portrayal of Masahisa Fukase and breathing life into an enigmatic character filled with complexity and empathy.

Anticipation Builds for ‘Ravens’

As ‘Ravens’ takes flight with Tadanobu Asano at its helm, the film promises to deliver a compelling narrative enriched by an extraordinary performance. K5 International’s commitment to this project underscores its potential importance and impact on audiences worldwide. We eagerly await the unfolding of ‘Ravens’, anticipating a cinematic experience that is both memorable and profound. To stay updated on this and other exciting projects, visit our homepage.