Returner (2002)
August 31, 2002Release Date
Returner (2002)
August 31, 2002Release Date
Plot.
Where to Watch.
Cast & Crew.
Takeshi Kaneshiro
Miyamoto
Anne Suzuki
Milly
Kirin Kiki
Xia
Goro Kishitani
Mizoguchi
Yukiko Okamoto
Dr. Yagi
Mitsu Murata
Henchman
Kisuke Iida
Henchman
Kazuya Shimizu
Murakami
Chiharu Kawai
Interpreter
Dean Harrington
Dr. Brown
Xiaoqun Zhao
Slave Merchant
Masaya Takahashi
Liu Laoban
Shugo Oshinari
Shooter
Kanata Hongo
Young Miyamoto
Hoshi Ishida
Shifan
Adeyto
Future Technician
Kenji Motomiya
Mizoguchi's Henchman
Gorô Kishitani
Mizoguchi
Chikahiro Ando
Producer
Akira Sako
Director of Photography
Toru Horibe
Producer
Takuya Taguchi
Editor
Takashi Yamazaki
Director / Screenplay
Akifumi Takuma
Producer
Media.
Details.
Release DateAugust 31, 2002
Original Nameリターナー
StatusReleased
Running Time1h 56m
Content RatingR
Box Office$73,060
Genres
Last updated:
This Movie Is About.
Wiki.
Returner (Japanese: リターナー, Hepburn: Ritānā) is a 2002 Japanese science fiction action film directed, co-written, and with visual effects by Takashi Yamazaki. It stars Takeshi Kaneshiro and Anne Suzuki, who must team up in present-day Japan to prevent an alien race from invading Earth. Goro Kishitani and Kirin Kiki are featured in supporting roles.
Production took place from circa January to April 2002. It reportedly aspired "to be a combination of Mission: Impossible, The Matrix and Leon", and exercised 300 computer-generated shots, as well as wire fu. The film was produced by Robot Communications and was funded by Robot, Toho, Fuji Television Network, Amuse Pictures, Shirogumi, and Imagica.
Returner premiered at Shibuya Public Hall on August 19, 2002, and was released in Japan on August 31. Samuel Goldwyn Films later distributed it in the United States on October 17, 2003. The film grossed over $11 million worldwide against a $4 million budget and was the fourteenth highest-grossing Japanese film of 2002. It received generally negative reviews from critics, with most attacking the screenplay and perceived lack of originality, although some praised the acting, action sequences, and visual effects. The film received five nominations at the 26th Japan Academy Film Prize. A sequel was planned but ultimately abandoned.