28½ (2010)
A rare behind-the-scenes documentary from Mamoru Oshii, capturing the creative chaos behind his stage adaptation of Tetsujin 28.
28½ - Movie Information
- Original Title: 28½ 妄想の巨人
- Release Year: 2010
- Directed by: Mamoru Oshii
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Documentary
- Runtime: 1h 14m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Alternative Titles: Nijuu Hakka Nibun no Ichi - Mouse no Kyojin (JP)
- Production Companies: Pony Canyon
- Production Countries: Japan
28½ - Plot
Crew and actors prepare for Mamoru Oshii's stage version of Tetsujin 28.
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28½ - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Mamoru Oshii
Main Cast
- Erika Okuda
- Momoko Tanabe
- Masahiro Sudo
- Kenji Mizuhashi
- Shuuji Kashiwabara
- Kaho Minami
- Narushi Ikeda
- Diamond Yukai
- Sunplaza Nakano
Writers
- Mamoru Oshii
28½ - FAQs
What is 28½ about?
28½ is a behind-the-scenes documentary that follows the cast and crew as they gear up for Mamoru Oshii's ambitious stage adaptation of the classic manga and anime Tetsujin 28. It offers an intimate look at the creative process, rehearsals, and the personalities involved in bringing the production to life.
Who directed 28½?
28½ was directed by Mamoru Oshii, the acclaimed Japanese filmmaker best known for Ghost in the Shell and Patlabor. Here, he turns the camera on his own theatrical project, documenting the making of his stage version of Tetsujin 28 with characteristic curiosity and self-awareness.
Who are the main actors in 28½?
The documentary features Erika Okuda as Kobayashi and Momoko Tanabe as Shotaro, alongside Masahiro Sudo, Kenji Mizuhashi, Shuuji Kashiwabara, Kaho Minami, Narushi Ikeda, Diamond Yukai, and Sunplaza Nakano — all part of the stage production being documented.
Is 28½ related to Ghost in the Shell?
Not directly — 28½ is a documentary about Mamoru Oshii's stage adaptation of Tetsujin 28, a giant robot manga, rather than his iconic Ghost in the Shell universe. However, fans of Oshii's broader work will recognize his distinctive directorial sensibility and philosophical approach throughout the film.
What is Tetsujin 28 and why does it matter?
Tetsujin 28 is a landmark Japanese manga created by Mitsuteru Yokoyama in 1956, widely considered one of the first giant robot stories in manga history. Its influence on anime and pop culture is enormous, making Oshii's decision to adapt it for the stage a genuinely fascinating creative undertaking.
What genre is 28½?
28½ is a documentary film. It captures the behind-the-scenes reality of a theatrical production, blending observational filmmaking with the kind of reflective, auteur-driven perspective that defines Mamoru Oshii's broader body of work.
How long is 28½?
28½ runs for 74 minutes, making it a compact and focused documentary. At just over an hour, it moves efficiently through the preparation process without overstaying its welcome — a tight, engaging watch for fans of Oshii or Japanese theatrical culture.
What are similar documentaries to 28½?
If you enjoyed 28½, you might also appreciate Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio: Handcarved Cinema (2022), Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi's Return (2022), or Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Eternals (2022) — all behind-the-scenes documentaries that explore ambitious creative productions with similar insider access.
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