The Cinema Rhapsody / Bouquet de TAKARAZUKA

In the face of executives insisting on selling UFA, producer Kaufmann, infused with the same spirit as President Klitzsch, declares that they will make a low-budget entertainment film that the public is sure to love. Who will take on such an audacious task? When Kaufmann himself is shuttered, one man takes up the challenge—Theo Wegmann, an assistant director at UFA. Foreseeing the end of the age of silent films, Theo suggests making a talking movie with singing. If Hollywood can do it, so can we here in Berlin! With the condition that he gets to choose his cast and staff, Theo promises Kaufmann that he will produce a low-budget movie that will entertain everyone and be a major hit.

Directed by Harada Ryou, Sakai Sumio, The Cinema Rhapsody / Bouquet de TAKARAZUKA leans on a strong ensemble — Yuzuru Kurenai, Kisaki Airi, Makoto Rei — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 2017.