102. Immortal Hero (Sekai kara kibo ga kietanara); movie review

IMMORTAL HERO (SEKAI KARA KIBO GA KIETANARA)
Cert PG
118 mins
BBFC advice: Contains upsetting scenes, mild brief threat

Two years ago, my mum and I were sent to the dreaded hospital side room as surgeons fought to save my dad's life.
His aorta had ruptured and we were told that medics would "give it their best shot" but that we should understand the seriousness of the situation.
Last Sunday, I was with mum and dad having Sunday lunch after we had watched our usually inept football team go top of the league table.
I don't know which is more surprising - their success or the fact that dad is still with us.
His survival even shocked the consultant who saved him but dad simply told him: "I decided it wasn't my time."
Dad probably would have enjoyed the message behind Immortal Hero more than I did.
He believes in mind over matter to an extent and certainly claims that someone is looking over him.
Perhaps it is my loss that I see too many unanswered questions when it comes to the faith which is acclaimed in Hiroshi Akabane's movie.
This is a celebration of Ryuho Okawa, a best-selling author who, it is claimed is a healer as well as a teacher.
He would also appear to be immodest - as, although the characters in this movie have fictional names, it is based on him, he is executive producer and it is called Immortal Hero.
As said, Okawa's name is not used directly - instead, Hisaaki Takeuchi plays the lead role of a publishing house boss called Makoto Mioya.
However, make so mistake - this a homage to Okawa with the screenplay written by his daughter, Sayaka.
The central character is a workaholic who is taking into hospital by doctors who say that his heart is such bad shape that he should be dead.
They warn he won't survive the night but Mioya believes that he can save his own life through heartfelt conviction.
He survives and becomes so convinced by positive thinking that he believes he has healing powers and sets about spreading the word.
Inevitably, some doubt his 'powers', including his wife (Tamao Satô) who is, consequently, painted as the bad guy during Akabane's movie.
Initially, I was taken with Immortal Hero because it had a wow factor opening and I am intrigued by the effect of positive thinking.
However, as it progresses, I am afraid its eulogy to its central character is too loud as is the unchallenged message about the love of God.
Of course, if Okawa can take a tour and stop child cancers rather than just sell his book, I would be happy to be proven wrong.

Reasons to watch: Uplifting and thought-provoking
Reasons to avoid: Some will find it too schmaltzy

Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 4/10

Did you know? A positive outlook may benefit people who already have cardiovascular disease, which is significant, because they are at very high risk of having heart attacks and strokes, according to a US Health and Retirement study. There is no evidence it can cure cancer.

Final word. Yoichi Utebi (producer): "Based on Okawa’s actual, life-changing events, and written for the screen by his daughter, Sayaka Okawa, this poignant biography recounts how an extraordinary man has ascended to become a world-changing faith leader." Spiritual Media Blog

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