Million Dollar Man (2018)
A Japanese drama about a debt-ridden man who wins the lottery and discovers that sudden wealth raises more questions than it answers.
Million Dollar Man - Movie Information
- Original Title: 億男
- Release Year: 2018
- Directed by: Keishi Otomo
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 56m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 19, 2018 (Japan)
- Alternative Titles: Million Dollar Man (CN), Okuotoko (JP)
- Production Companies: TOHO, Nippon Television Network Corporation, Toho Pictures, AMUSE, TOY'S FACTORY, Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation, KDDI, LINE, Lawson Entertainment, Hikari TV
- Production Countries: Japan
Million Dollar Man - Plot
A man, who is repaying a 30 million yen debt left by his brother, wins the 300 million yen lottery. He grapples with the question of whether money can buy him happiness.
Million Dollar Man - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see what awaits in this thought-provoking Japanese drama:
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Million Dollar Man - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Keishi Otomo
Main Cast
- Takeru Satoh
- Issey Takahashi
- Erika Sawajiri
- Tatsuya Fujiwara
- Haru Kuroki
- Kazuki Kitamura
- Elaiza Ikeda
- Shiho Sasaki
Writers
- Keishi Otomo
- Yoshiki Watanabe
Producers
- Genki Kawamura
- Yoshihiro Sato
- Keichiiro Moriya
Million Dollar Man - FAQs
Is Million Dollar Man based on a true story?
Million Dollar Man is not based on a true story. It's adapted from the 2018 Japanese novel 億男 (Okuotoko) by Kazufumi Shiraishi, which explores the philosophical and emotional consequences of sudden wealth through a fictional narrative about debt, friendship, and the meaning of money.
What is Million Dollar Man about?
The film follows Kazuo, a man crushed under a 30 million yen debt left by his brother, who unexpectedly wins 300 million yen in the lottery. Rather than finding relief, he's swept into a deeper search for meaning, questioning whether money can truly bring happiness or simply complicate life further.
Who are the main actors in Million Dollar Man?
Takeru Satoh leads the cast as Kazuo, with Issey Takahashi playing his friend Tsukumo. The film also features Erika Sawajiri as Towako, Tatsuya Fujiwara as Senju, Haru Kuroki as Masako, Kazuki Kitamura as Momose, and Elaiza Ikeda as Akira.
What does money symbolize in Million Dollar Man?
Money in the film acts as a mirror rather than a solution. Winning the lottery doesn't free Kazuo — it forces him to confront his values, relationships, and identity. The story uses sudden wealth as a lens to examine what people truly want from life and whether happiness can be purchased.
Who directed Million Dollar Man?
Million Dollar Man was directed by Keishi Otomo, a well-regarded Japanese filmmaker known for his work on the Rurouni Kenshin live-action film series. He also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Yoshiki Watanabe, adapting Kazufumi Shiraishi's novel for the screen.
When was Million Dollar Man released?
Million Dollar Man had its theatrical release in Japan on October 19, 2018. The film was produced by a wide consortium of Japanese studios and broadcasters, including TOHO and Nippon Television Network Corporation, and was distributed primarily for Japanese audiences.
How long is Million Dollar Man?
Million Dollar Man runs for 116 minutes, or just under two hours. The runtime gives the film enough space to develop its thoughtful, character-driven story about debt, sudden fortune, and the philosophical questions that arise when a man's financial world is turned upside down.
What are some movies similar to Million Dollar Man?
If you enjoyed Million Dollar Man, you might also like Martin Eden (2019), a story of ambition and identity, or This Crazy Heart (2017) and Ditto (2022) for emotionally resonant dramas. Jaane Jaan (2023) and The Tearsmith (2024) are also worth exploring for their compelling character-driven narratives.
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