Ryuhei Kitamura

Ryuhei Kitamura (北村龍平 Kitamura Ryūhei, born May 30, 1969) is a Japanese film director growing in popularity in Japan and in the international Japanese film community.

Related Topics:
May 30 - 1969 - Japanese - Film director

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Kitamura's films are known for their extensive mythology, impressive sword fighting and martial arts, and over-the-top action sequences.

Related Topics:
Sword - Martial arts

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Born in Osaka, Japan, Kitamura quit high school and went to the School of Visual Arts in Australia at age 17. His first film was the short Exit, which he made as his graduation piece at age 19. After graduating, he returned to Japan to establish Napalm Films, his independent film production studio. While his films Down to Hell and Heat After Dark were successful in film festivals, Kitamura's rise to international fame came from Versus.

Related Topics:
Osaka - Japan - High school - Australia - Versus

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Kitamura went on to direct several movies, including adaptations of the manga Azumi and the popular Japanese TV dorama Sky High. He had also collaborated with director Yukihiko Tsutsumi in the "Duel Project", in which the two agreed to produce the best dueling movie with minimal production time and budget, with Aragami being Kitamura's part. He also ventured into the world of video games by directing the cutscenes and motion capturing of ', the GameCube remake of the classic PS stealth game Metal Gear Solid.

Related Topics:
Manga - Azumi - Dorama - Yukihiko Tsutsumi - Aragami - Video games - Cutscenes - Motion capturing - GameCube - PS - Stealth game - Metal Gear Solid

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Kitamura's latest film, ' had it's premiere in Hollywood and the film is currently playing in Japanese theaters. His future plans include a sequel to Versus as well as preparation for Hollywood.

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