Meet Takayama Ukon: The Samurai Who Chose Faith Over Power

In a world filled with power struggles and religious conflicts, the story of Takayama Ukon stands out. This 16th-century samurai from Japan chose exile over renouncing his Christian faith. His tale is now being brought to life in an animated feature called "Samurai Saint. " The project is a collaboration between Singapore's Silver Media Group, U. S. companies Ford Studios, and Ark Entertainment. The film will showcase Ukon's rise in feudal Japan's military ranks and his eventual exile for refusing to abandon his beliefs under pressure from the Imperial Regent. Beatified by the Catholic Church in 2017, Ukon's story is a blend of historical drama and spiritual journey. Chan Gin Kai, CEO of Silver Media Group, was deeply moved by Ukon's story. He sees the film as more than just entertainment; it's a legacy of inspiration. In a cruel world where people often prioritize selfish ambitions, Ukon's quest to protect his people despite immense persecution is truly remarkable. The goal is to share this extraordinary story of love, honor, and courage with a global audience. The project involves veteran talent, including Marc Ford, who has worked on big franchises like "Fantastic Four, " "X-Men, " and "Star Wars. " Ford believes "Samurai Saint" is perfectly aligned with current cinematic trends. With the rise of anime and interest in Japan-centric narratives, this project is set to captivate audiences worldwide. Core Works Force, known for their work on "One Piece" and "Dragonball Z, " will handle the 2D anime-style animation. Artists from Japan, Hong Kong, and the Philippines will work together to bring the story to life. Additionally, Ark Entertainment has plans to create a role-playing game based on the film, introducing Ukon's world to a new generation of gamers. Production is set to start in the first quarter of 2025.