A new documentary film, “Barefoot Gen Is Still Angry” (Hadaashi no Gen wa Mada Okotteiru), adapted from a 2024 TV program, is slated to open in Japanese theaters this November. The film, which marks BS12’s first venture into theatrical production, will screen at Tokyo’s Pole Pole Higashinakano Theater, Hiroshima’s Salon Cinema, and other locations. Directed by Masanori Komiyama and with direction, planning, and editing by Seitoku Iriyama, the documentary explores the enduring legacy and message of Keiji Nakazawa’s powerful anti-war manga, Barefoot Gen.
From Acclaimed TV Special to Theatrical Debut
“Barefoot Gen Is Still Angry” expands upon the 2024 BS12 special titled “The Heat Conduction of ‘Barefoot Gen’ – People Who Convey the Atomic Bomb Manga.” This original TV documentary garnered significant recognition, winning Best Documentary at the 15th Satellite Broadcasting Association Original Program Awards and the Media Ambitious Award in the screen category in 2024. The success and critical acclaim of the television program prompted its transformation into a feature-length film, aiming to reach a wider audience with its vital message. Tokyo Sound Production, which was behind the original TV program, is also handling the production of the film.
The Enduring Legacy of Barefoot Gen
The documentary revisits the long-standing impact of the Barefoot Gen manga, which vividly depicts the aftermath of the Hiroshima atomic bombing through the eyes of a young boy named Gen. The manga, first serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1973, is based on the real-life experiences of its author, Keiji Nakazawa, who survived the 1945 bombing at the age of six. Nakazawa lost most of his immediate family in the tragedy, including his father, older sister, younger brother, and a younger sister born after the bombing. He, his mother, and two other brothers who were not at home survived the event. The manga serves as a powerful testament to the horrors of nuclear warfare and the resilience of the human spirit.
Over the decades, Barefoot Gen has been adapted into various formats, including three live-action films (1976-1980), two anime films (1983 and 1986), and a two-night live-action television drama series in 2007. The 1983 anime film, also titled Barefoot Gen, portrays World War II in Japan from a child’s perspective, focusing on the events surrounding the Hiroshima bombing. The new documentary, “Barefoot Gen Is Still Angry,” examines how Nakazawa’s work has been received and discussed globally over the past five decades, exploring its origin and continuing legacy.
Creators’ Reflections on War and Memory
Director Masanori Komiyama has expressed a personal connection to the themes of war and memory, noting that his grandfather died in the Tokyo air raids. He highlighted the decreasing opportunities for younger generations to hear firsthand accounts of war, voicing concern over the potential loss of such painful memories. Producer Yoshimi Takahashi emphasized “anger” as the film’s central theme, referencing the emotions portrayed by Gen in the manga and the ongoing sentiments of those who continue to share that anger today.
Keiji Nakazawa passed away in 2012, but his unflinching portrayal of the atomic bomb’s devastation continues to resonate, prompting vital discussions about peace and the devastating consequences of war. The release of “Barefoot Gen Is Still Angry” aims to further that dialogue, bringing the potent message of the manga to contemporary audiences through a new cinematic lens.
