I've said it before and I'll say it again: as time goes on and his filmography expands I become increasingly convinced that the success of Japanese zombie-samurai-action flick Versus had as much, if not more, to do with the surrounding cast and crew as it did with director Ryuhei Kitamura. And the biggest single factor in the success of that film was clearly the raw screen charisma of leading man Tak Sakaguchi. Nobody's ever going to confuse Sakaguchi with a serious actor but the man's just got something on screen. Not only that, but Sakaguchi is one of that rare breed that understands exactly what he is - namely an entertainer who gets by on personality and physical skill rather than subtlety - and embraces it wholeheartedly, the end result being a hugely entertaining filmography. So I'm more than a little pleased that Sakaguchi has opted to take the next logical step in his career and move behind the camera for a new action comedy, Otoko Juku.

Based on a popular manga, the title translates to Be A Man! Samurai School! and this looks to be prime stuff for Sakaguchi's talents.

Inheriting the Samurai Spirit, Otokojuku is a private boys school to nurture true men. As usual, 1st-year students enroll this year. What awaits them is grilling training by Drill Master Onihige. Momotaro is professed in both academics and martial arts. Hidemaro is a puny coward. 300 push-ups, Oil Bath punishment, Disciplinary Twin Cells are just examples of what the newcomers experience. With blood and sweat, Momotaro and Hidemaro live through the Otokojuku days, but during that time, they become true friends as well as pitch friendship with their other classmates. Meanwhile, Omito Date, a former Otokojuku 1st-year student leader, carrying a grudge on this school, now leads the evil army of Kanto Gogakuren school, is ready for a pay back. He conspires to take over Otokojuku and sets out to their school ground. The Otokojuku principle, Heihachi Edajima, appears and utters: “No personal vendetta is allowed on the grounds of Otokojuku, but it’s a different story elsewhere.” Thus, Otokojuku versus Kanto Gogakuren.

A few stills are to be found on the official website.