Apple Surprises Osamu Tezuka Fans With Midnight Video Edited On YouTube And Filmed On One’s Cell Phone
In a surprise move that will shake up the entertainment landscape, Apple has unveiled a live-action adaptation of ‘Midnight’, directed by the legendary Osamu Tezuka, who is known for making popular series such as ‘Astro Boy’ and ‘Kimba the White Lion’. . The move puts Apple on the radar for live-action anime adaptation, a field where Netflix has already seen success with ‘One Piece’ and Lionsgate has announced plans for a ‘Naruto’ film.
The ‘Midnight’ project stands out not only for its intrinsic quality, but also for its innovative filming technique: the entire short film was shot using the iPhone 15 Pro, showcasing the versatility and power of modern technology. At the helm of this adaptation is Takashi Mieke, a director with an extensive portfolio that includes anime and manga adaptations such as ‘Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Unbreakable Chapter 1’, ‘Immortal Blade’ and ‘Terraformers’. . The experience of bringing stories from paper to screen is clearly reflected in this latest work.
Osamu Tezuka: A Relic Restored
For those of you less familiar with Osamu Tezuka, his influence on the world of manga and anime is huge. His creations like ‘Astro Boy’, ‘Phoenix’, ‘Dororo’ and ‘Black Jack’ have left an indelible mark on pop culture. This new film adds to this iconic legacy with a suspenseful story and drama centered around a taxi driver who encounters unusual passengers during his nightly rounds.
The story delves into the complex personality of Midnight, a special taxi driver who can travel any road thanks to the fifth wheel under the chassis. This vehicle, inseparable from its owner, shows the character’s emotional burden and commitment to Mare, a young woman left in the garden by an accident of his own making. Our character Nights reveals a plot full of humanity and redemption as he searches for the passenger who will allow him to pay for Marie’s treatment.
Technology and talent in the service of art
The decision to use the iPhone for filming is not only a display of technological progress, but also challenges the conventions of the film industry, proving that creativity knows no bounds. Under Miki’s direction, this adaptation promises to be a visually stimulating and immersive experience that honors and revitalizes Tezuka’s original work.
By immersing itself in the world of live-action adaptations, Apple not only expands the repertoire of its original content, but also pays homage to one of the great masters of manga. With the short film, the company demonstrates that the fusion of history, technology and artistic vision can create unique and unforgettable cinematic experiences.
Film adaptations of Tezuka’s works reflect the versatility and depth of his heritage in manga and anime. Prominent among them is ‘Astro Boy’, which ushered in the era of anime in 1963 with a television adaptation and later on in films. ‘Phoenix’, another of Tezuka’s masterpieces, has been adapted many times, exploring life, death and rebirth in different eras and contexts.
‘Black Jack’, meanwhile, has seen several adaptations, including television series and films where the enigmatic unlicensed surgeon challenges moral and ethical issues in medicine. These adaptations not only honor Tezuka’s memory, but also ensure that his influence on film and beyond inspires future generations.