March Comes In Like a Lion (2017)
A teenage shogi prodigy finds unexpected warmth and belonging through the kindness of three sisters in this emotionally rich Japanese drama.
March Comes In Like a Lion - Movie Information
- Original Title: 3月のライオン 前編
- Release Year: 2017
- Directed by: Keishi Otomo
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 2h 18m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 18, 2017 (Japan)
- Alternative Titles: San gatsu no Lion Zenpen (JP), 三月的狮子 前篇 (CN)
- Production Companies: Asmik Ace, TOHO, Hakusensha, AMUSE, Aniplex, The Asahi Shimbun, KDDI, dentsu, Robot Communications, Mainichi Shimbun
- Production Countries: Japan
March Comes In Like a Lion - Plot
Rei Kiriyama is a 17-years-old shogi (Japanese chess) player. He debuted as a professional shogi player when he was in middle school. He lives by himself in Tokyo, because his parents and younger sister died in an traffic accident when he was little. One day, Rei Kiriyama meets three sisters who are his neighbors. The three sisters are Akari Kawamoto, Hinata Kawamoto and Momo Kawamoto. This is his first meeting with someone outside of the shogi world in many years. Having meals with the Kawamoto family brings warm feelings to Rei Kiriyama. As Rei Kiriyama continues his shogi career, his interactions with his neighbors allows him to grow as a shogi player and as a person.
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March Comes In Like a Lion - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Keishi Otomo
Main Cast
- Ryunosuke Kamiki
- Kasumi Arimura
- Kana Kurashina
- Shota Sometani
- Kaya Kiyohara
- Kuranosuke Sasaki
- Ryo Kase
- Gin Maeda
- Issey Takahashi
- Hideaki Ito
Writers
- Keishi Otomo
- Ryohei Watanabe
- Yuko Iwashita
Producers
- Keichiiro Moriya
- Fumie Takeuchi
- Masayuki Tanishima
March Comes In Like a Lion - FAQs
Is March Comes In Like a Lion based on a manga?
Yes! The film is based on the beloved manga series by Chica Umino, which began serialization in 2007. The manga follows the same story of young shogi prodigy Rei Kiriyama and has also inspired a well-regarded anime adaptation. The film covers the first arc of the story.
Who plays Rei Kiriyama in the film?
Ryunosuke Kamiki takes on the role of Rei Kiriyama, the quietly intense teenage shogi prodigy at the heart of the story. Kamiki is one of Japan's most acclaimed young actors, and his nuanced, understated performance is widely considered one of the film's greatest strengths.
What is March Comes In Like a Lion about?
The film centers on Rei Kiriyama, a 17-year-old professional shogi player living alone in Tokyo after losing his family in an accident. When he meets the warm and lively Kawamoto sisters next door, their kindness begins to slowly thaw his emotional isolation, helping him grow both as a player and a person.
Is this film a two-part series?
Yes, March Comes In Like a Lion was released as two separate films. This first part, released in March 2017, establishes Rei's world and his bond with the Kawamoto family. The second part followed later in 2017, continuing and concluding the story adapted from Chica Umino's manga.
Who directed March Comes In Like a Lion?
Keishi Otomo directed the film. He's well known in Japan for helming large-scale live-action adaptations of popular manga and anime, most notably the Rurouni Kenshin franchise. His experience with character-driven source material made him a natural fit for this emotionally layered story.
When was March Comes In Like a Lion released?
The film had its theatrical release in Japan on March 18, 2017. The timing was fitting given the title's seasonal reference. It was produced by a large consortium of Japanese studios and distributors, including Asmik Ace and TOHO, reflecting the scale and ambition of the production.
Where can I watch March Comes In Like a Lion?
You can check current streaming availability and all viewing options for March Comes In Like a Lion on JustWatch, which tracks where the film is available to rent, buy, or stream in your region. Availability may vary depending on your country and local platform offerings.
What are similar films to March Comes In Like a Lion?
If you enjoyed this film, you might also love The First Slam Dunk (2022), Blue Thermal (2022), Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl (2019), A Man (2022), and 18x2 Beyond Youthful Days (2024). These films share similar themes of personal growth, emotional depth, and Japanese storytelling sensibility.
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