We’re just days away from the premiere and then the Japan nationwide release of the upcoming Boy’s Love (BL) film, L’étranger de la Plage, based on Kanna Kii’s 2014 manga of the same name. It’s been quite a year for the release label, Blue Lynx. Having opened with the dark and sexually perverse Twittering Birds Never Fly – the clouds gather-, the label didn’t kick off with a very impressive debut. Given (2020) was the delightful comeback, and now they are aiming to end the year on a high note with a charming, seaside love story, L’étranger de la Plage.
The voice cast each took time after recording to add further commentary since the cast announcement comments, and everyone is just as hyped for the film as the author is herself! Read the translation of what the voice cast had to say, below.
How did you feel when you were cast in “Seaside Etranze,” and read the script?
Taishi Murata (Shun Hashimoto): “I had a lot of thoughts. I was glad we were doing a follow-up from the drama CD. Above all, I am delighted to be able to play the scene where Shun meets Mio, again. The fate of the two people changed drastically, and Mio grew up to be a struggling young adult. It was a very impressive scene I played on the first drama CD, so I was excited. I wish the fans could already be watching it right now!”
Yoshitsugi Matsuoka (Mio Chibana): “It’s been a long time since the drama CD we recorded, but I remember Murata-san being most enthusiastic about a future anime. At first, I had been joking about wanting it, myself, but when I was called back for the movie I was really happy. I hadn’t acted in a Boy’s Love work before this, so there was a lot to be nervous about. After reading the script, I thought it was going to be a great story from start to finish. The experiences from the drama CDs helped, and the film ended up being a very smooth job.”
Yu Shimamura (Sakurako): “I was surprised when I was called back for the movie, but was also very happy. I read the manga while recording the drama CD and now finally the day has come where we can enjoy all of Kanna-san’s cute manga animated.”
Kanae Ito (Eri): “I hadn’t read the original manga until I received the casting notice, but when I read it my first impression was that it was very refreshing and cute. After that, I read the script, and the exchange between Shun and Mio was so irresistible that I couldn’t stop smiling. I also felt strongly for the other characters, like Eri. (laughs)”
Sayaka Nakaya (Suzu): “I hadn’t been told it was going to be a movie, at first. Only the project title was given and so I thought it was going to be another drama CD. I misunderstood at first (laughs). It’s a little rare for the cast of the drama CD to all return for the animated version so I was surprised to see everyone again, and then the theatrical announcement! Either way, I was really happy to play Suzu-chan, again. She’s so cute!
When I read the script, I was moved. I said to myself ‘The gentle atmosphere from the manga is still there!’, and I couldn’t wait to see the final cut of the film.”
Hana Sato (Oba-chan): “It’s great to be back after the drama CD. After receiving the script I reread all of the manga to prepare. When I saw the script I couldn’t wait to start reading and get to know all the characters once again. I’ve loved this story a lot.”
For the film, Kii-sensei heavily supervised production and also was involved in the character design. Could you tell us the highlights of working with them?
Murata: “Personally, I love the comical facial expressions Kii-sensei draws. I hope everyone feels the same. Even after recording lines, I remember how the character’s expression would change from serious to comical just like in the manga. It was easy to perform. Also, the most reoccurring images are of Okinawa and cats. It’s a nice balance of tropical scenery and cuteness; my ideal image of retirement in old age. I hope people will connect L’étranger de la Plage to Okinawa and cats after this film.”
Matsuoka: “In the story, Mio becomes lonely in life at a sensitive time. So I wasn’t sure how to express that painfulness. Since it’s animated this time, I proceeded without using as much breath-play as I normally would. Their story felt like it had already taken on its own kind of beauty. Now I really want to go on a trip and swim in the sea. (laughs) I think everyone can naturally get into the story so I hope you’ll all enjoy L’étranger de la Plage.”
Shimamura: “Although the character animation was incomplete at the time of recording, I felt that the scenery was so beautiful that I could feel the sea breeze in the studio. The cats were added into the movie and they often mimic the relationship between Shun and Mio. It was a nice touch. The film really expanded further on the original story and I thought it was all amazing to see, visually.”
Ito: “The facial expressions are very soft, detailed, and really cute! The animation team really made the characters so attractive and lively. The dubbing process was exciting because of it. The scenery of Okinawa is also so beautiful. I’ve wanted to go to Okinawa because of this film.
I was also very touched by Eri’s character. I hope the final cut will be something I’ll watch again and again to relive as much as possible.”
Nakaya: “I think that the atmosphere of the original work is reflected so well because Kii-sensei was so heavily involved. When recording, not everything was finished but I was fascinated by how beautiful it was. Also, I just love cats, so I hope you’ll pay attention to them for me. It’s all just so cute- the cats and the characters.”
Sato: “Every moment was a highlight! However, I think that I especially felt ‘a picture is worth a thousand words.’ Even in moments with no dialogue, Shun and Mio’s feelings can still be felt in the scenery, which is very nice. In moments where you can’t see a character’s facial expression, it’s still beautiful because you can imagine it through the scenery.
Last, but not least, the cats are just so cute!”
Is there anything you’d like to say to those looking forward to L’étranger de la Plage?
Murata: “Thank you for your patience! When watching the movie, I hope audiences will delicately understand the love between Mio and Shun. I think you’ll be reminded that people take good care of others even when it’s difficult. And when the film’s over, please apply that same gentleness to everyone you know. Thank you, L’étranger de la Plage.”
Matsuoka: “I did my best and I hope it leaves a color impression in everyone’s heart. This story allowed me to think about a lot of different things, and I’m glad that it was beautiful in the end. Beautiful, and still painful. It’s a lot to consider and a lot to feel.”
Shimura: “I think that the movie is exactly what everyone’s been waiting for. It’s going to grab everyone’s heart, so please enjoy every minute of it.”
Ito: “I hope everyone can smile when watching Shun and Mio’s exchange on screen. Since being involved, I’ve become so charmed and fallen in love with this story. I can’t wait for you all to see it.”
Nakaya: “Since the drama CD I’ve been hoping we’d get to see it as an anime. It’s exciting as both a fan and an actor. It’s been encouraging seeing the whole cast as motivated as we’ve been the whole time. A lot of love went into the work even if it’s not directly visible. I hope every effort is conveyed in the atmosphere. It’ll be a film that everyone will want to see, regardless of it still being a BL drama. Enjoy the cats.”
Sato: “I am very moved as a fan to see the cast’s hopes for the film come to life. Enjoy Shun and Mio’s island romance.”
L’étranger de la Plage is arriving this weekend in Japan, on September 11th.
