New stills have been released from the upcoming film "Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan: At a Confessional" (set for release on May 23), based on the original episode that launched Hirohiko Araki’s spin-off manga series from "JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure". The film was shot entirely on location in Venice. The stills feature Tamiya (played by Arata Iura), a mysterious man, and Maria (portrayed by Tina Tamashiro), a mask artisan.

Tamiya, the pivotal figure who opens the door to the story, mistakes Rohan Kishibe (Issey Takahashi) for a priest at a Venetian church and confesses his "sin." His confession tells of a curse in which one must experience ultimate despair at the height of happiness. Dressed in a pitch-black suit and wearing his hat low over his eyes, Tamiya’s somber appearance seems to embody deep despair.

On the other hand, Maria, the mask artisan Rohan encounters by chance at a mask workshop, is swept away by her own fortune. In one still, Maria is shown carefully maintaining a mask with a serious expression, exuding a mysterious yet melancholic aura. Another scene captures Maria gazing at Rohan, surrounded by an overwhelming number of masks, showcasing her enigmatic and captivating presence.

Story: Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan: At a Confessional

Manga artist Rohan Kishibe hears a terrifying confession from a masked man at a Venetian church. The man reveals a curse placed upon him after he accidentally killed a vagrant: "At the height of happiness, you will experience ultimate despair."

Having lived his life desperately trying to avoid happiness, the man one day feels genuine joy while watching his daughter play innocently. At that moment, the supposedly dead vagrant appears and forces him into a trial involving popcorn.

"If you can catch a piece of popcorn in your mouth three times in a row, my curse will be lifted. But if you fail, you must accept your greatest despair..."

Drawn into this bizarre confession, Rohan uses his unique ability to turn people into books and read their memories and experiences. However, he soon realizes that he, too, has been afflicted by the "curse of happiness."

Source : ORICON NEWS