From the live-action adaptation of Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan: At a Confessional, based on the popular JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure spin-off by Hirohiko Araki, comes a set of breathtaking stills showcasing the visual intensity—edjikara—that only an all-location shoot in Venice could deliver. This marks the first Japanese film to be shot entirely in the historic city, and the result is nothing short of stunning.

A Church, a Curse, and a Confession

One of the most striking images features Rohan Kishibe (Issey Takahashi) in a grand Venetian church. A terrifying confession he accidentally hears inside a confessional booth draws him into a mysterious “curse of happiness.” Is the encounter with the masked stranger simply chance—or a twist of fate?

Another photo captures Rohan’s editor Kyoka Izumi (Marie Iitoyo) with a look of shock, as if she too has begun to fall victim to the curse. The use of a beautifully designed Venetian mask adds to the mystique of the scene.

The Man Behind the Mask

The masked man making the confession is Tamiya (Arata Iura). His expression is unreadable, concealed by a mask that appears both laughing and crying. His eerie presence only deepens the mystery—what secret has driven him to this state?

The Popcorn Battle Scene: A Manga Moment Recreated

Among all the moments, the “popcorn battle” continues to draw the greatest attention from fans. In a faithful recreation of the manga’s surreal world, Mizuo (Shunsuke Daitō) takes on the scene in a grueling two-day shoot. The popcorn sequence alone spans nine pages in the script. Director Kazutaka Watanabe meticulously planned nearly 150 cuts to bring this critical moment to life.

Possession and Despair: A Chilling Scene Unfolds

One newly revealed photo features a possessed girl in a vivid red nun-like robe. On her tongue appears a dark shadow—the spirit of Sotoba.

Sotoba had once cursed Mizuo, vowing that he would suffer despair at the height of his happiness. In a chilling scene straight from the manga, the curse manifests as Sotoba possesses Mizuo’s daughter at the very moment he experiences true joy.

“If you can throw popcorn three times and catch it in your mouth without fail, the curse will be lifted. Fail—and you will know despair.” Driven by these words, Mizuo faces the ultimate trial: a life-or-death challenge involving popcorn and fate.

Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan: At a Confessional weaves together themes of happiness, despair, and destiny. The film showcases the efforts of cast and crew to build an atmospheric world that fuses Araki’s supernatural vision with the real-life beauty of Venice—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a cinematic experience that must be witnessed on the big screen.

Synopsis

Manga artist Rohan Kishibe visits a church in Venice, where he hears a terrifying confession from a masked man. The man tells of a strange curse cast after he accidentally caused the death of a vagrant—one that dooms him to experience utter despair at the peak of happiness. After years of avoiding joy, the man finally feels true happiness upon seeing his daughter play—only to face a surreal trial involving popcorn. Drawn into the story, Rohan uses his special ability to read human memories and experiences by turning people into books—only to realize the “curse of happiness” may be coming for him next.

Source : ORICON NEWS