Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus is a poignant documentary film that serves as a final performance and as a tribute to composer and pianist Ryuichi Sakamoto, the late musical genius.
In March 2023 the legendary composer Ryuichi Sakamoto lost his battle with cancer. During his last few years, he was unable to perform live concerts and so he allowed his son, Neo Sora, to film one final performance. Recorded over a week in late 2022 at NHK Studio in Tokyo, this breath-taking concert features only Sakamoto and his beloved piano.
Sakamoto himself chose the twenty pieces he performs and also the order in which we hear them – he guides us on a memorable journey of his musical career, whilst also revealing his own emotions as he plays.
Reviews
“He conjured emotions we don’t yet have names for”
– Sofie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire
“A uniquely affecting last will and testament”
– Kenji Fujishime, SLANT
“The Last Emperor composer gives a glorious final performance… lets Sakamoto deliver an elegy, and in the process, an autobiography of his creative journey”
– Todd Gilchrist, Variety
“a gift from a master.”
– Alissa Wilkinson, The New York Times
“Sakamoto’s passion and precision are inseparable from the gift he offers”
– Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter
