Even Yoko Hikasa, who played the role of Lucifer in the movie, couldn't help but cry at the sight of Lucifer's way of life. ...... Online preview report of "MONSTER STRIKE THE MOVIE Lucifer: Dawn of Despair

Monster Strike The Movie Lucifer: Dawn of Despair," a new theatrical animation of "Monster Strike" ("MonSt"), a popular content of Mixi-XFLAG that has been developed in various media including games and animation, was released on November 6, 2020.

This film is the culmination of the "MonSt anime" that has been developed on YouTube and has received over 400 million views worldwide. In this action epic, "Lucifer," "Arthur," "Solomon," "Noah," and "Pandora" from among the many unique characters appearing in "Monster Strike" play a central role in the story and engage in heated battles.

A particularly noteworthy point is the appearance of Lucifer, who fought together as friends in the "MonSt anime," as an enemy of the world. The exciting content of the story is that he crosses blades with his former comrades. On October 23, an online preview of the film, which features the most intense yet poignant battle in the history of "MonSt Anime," was held to showcase the film prior to its theatrical release.

In addition to the 1,000 pairs of 2,000 online invitees who successfully answered the challenging questions from Lucifer about MonSt Animation, four pairs of eight winners were selected in a drawing and invited to the event. The film was screened in front of many fans.

The author was also able to see the completed movie and was impressed by the speedy and daring action depicted in the CG animation, as well as the emotional drama woven by the popular characters.

After the screening of the film, director Shizuno Kobun, screenwriter Honda Masaya, theme song composer Oishi Masayoshi, and Fukushima Jun, who plays the main character Oragon, took the stage. In addition, as a secret guest, Yoko Hikasa, who plays Lucifer, the key person in the film, jumped in to join them!

She talked about the secret story behind the production of this work and her thoughts on acting.

First, Director Shizuno, who was unable to attend the first preview due to scheduling conflicts, commented to the staff and cast, "I would like to thank you again for the wonderful job you have done. Mr. Honda brought notes from the first meeting, which took place in March 2018. He revealed that at that point, the theme of "there is power in friendship" was presented, and now that he has seen the film, he said, "It turned out to be true.

Oishi Masayoshi, who produced the theme song "Hero's Song" for the film, excited the audience with his comical comment, "I was struggling to hold back my tears and my head started to hurt halfway through the song," while refusing to say that "there is nothing more narcissistic than crying over your own song," but when the song started playing, he cried. He refused, saying, "I'm not narcissistic enough to cry over my own song.

Fukushima, who played the role of Oragon, said that he usually does not cry during his own performances, but he finally burst into tears during the climax of the play.

Ms. Hikasa, who played the title character Lucifer, commented, "Knowing the ending, my heart ached for Lucifer's actions at the beginning and for the way Oragon believed in him. She also cried uncontrollably when he mentioned friendship, saying, "This movie tells me how important it is to have a friend who understands you," and "I'm glad Lucifer has Surgato ....... It was evident how much he cared about the characters.

From here on, the preview attendees asked questions to the panelists.

In response to the question, "Why did you choose this storyline for this movie?" Mr. Honda answered, "At first, I imagined that the characters, including Lucifer, would confront a huge enemy, and I did not plan for Lucifer to betray them. However, when we were working on the YouTube series, it was discussed that the most exciting part of the story was the development of people who did not have to fight Lucifer, so why not Lucifer and Arthur? If those two were to fight, one of them would definitely have to die. If they were to fight, one of them would definitely have to die. But I thought about what reason would make them fight.

Director Shizuno said, "I wondered again if it was decided in Mr. Honda's mind from the beginning. I thought it would be a good movie if I could make everyone do their best and work hard until they die, and if I could make it as passionate and exciting as I could, it would be a good movie, so I am glad it turned out this way.

The cast members were asked about scenes that were difficult or memorable.

I was so happy to see the way it turned out," he said. on every line! I'm glad the recording was split into three days," said Fukushima. I recorded the second half about a month or two after the first half. I remember that I couldn't speak during the last test on the first day, so I had to get some throat lozenges to get through it. I put my heart and soul into every scene.

Mr. Hikasa said, "Lucifer doesn't smile often and doesn't show much expression, so I wondered how much emotion I should show. I wanted to show Lucifer's emotions without showing tears because he disappears with a smile on his face. It was difficult to find the right balance between the two.

Mr. Oishi, who wrote the moving theme song "Hero's Song," said, "When I storyboarded the song, I was told that the chorus should begin with this scene and end with a close-up of Oragon. I showed all my skills there. When I saw the finished video, I was relieved and impressed that it was done correctly," he said, revealing that a craftsman-like production method was used to arrange and scale the song according to the direction.

In addition, the CD soundtrack was tracked down to stereo left/right specifications, but this film is 5.1ch, which means that the sound comes from behind as well. Therefore, it was also revealed that the mix was once again recorded for the movie. Oishi, who actually heard it in the theater's sound system, said, "I was thrilled by the sound coming from behind. Even though it was my song," he said, smiling at the better-than-expected quality.

Finally, the audience was asked, "What was the best moment of your career? The audience was asked.

Director Shizuno said, "I always enjoy my work, but when the film is finished and everyone gets to see it at the previews and on the opening day, I feel glad to be doing this job.

Mr. Honda: "I am always moved when a line I wrote is given form by the performers. Another thing is that I have come this far because my father taught me how to make movies. I became a screenwriter because my father told me that if I wanted to make a movie, I had to write a script. I am glad that I was able to invite my father to the festival and have him watch the film. I guess I was able to show some filial piety."

Oishi: "Today is the day. It's a happy moment for me to see my work become a part of a great film. Especially when I make ani-songs, I want to be a 'golden spring. I believe that the music we are making is a part of the work. When I look at today's video and feel that I was able to fulfill that role, I feel that I am fulfilling my duty as an ani-song creator.

Fukushima: "Of course, as an actor, it would be great if I could make someone laugh or shed tears while expressing myself. Personally, I was able to play a role that I had dreamed of, but what made me happy recently was when I received a message from someone who said, "I wanted to become a voice actor after seeing your play. I felt happy at that moment because I could finally do what I used to feel when I watched my seniors. I hope you feel the same way when you see this film.

Hikasa: "As is the case with this movie, I think it is a treasured moment in an actor's life to be able to play with senior actors with whom you don't usually have the opportunity to work together. I was reminded once again that I worked with such great people today. I realized how much I love this job.

I realized how much I love this job," each of them commented.

Mr. Hikasa said, "You act until you are burned out, and then you go back to your seat. That's the end. When the voice says, "It's over, thank you for your hard work," Fukushima-san next to you will say, "Hikasa-san, it's over," or "Hikasa-san ......? He's dead! This is my ideal!" He talks about his ideal end. I want to end my life as an active member of society," he says, his passion for the project clearly evident in his words.

Monster Strike the Movie Lucifer: Dawn of Despair," completed by such passionate staff and cast, is currently showing in theaters nationwide to great acclaim. Don't forget your handkerchief and be sure to see the film.