Wasabi

Date of release: March 14, 2002

Synopsis:

Hubert (Jean Reno) is a cop working in Paris with a lifelong membership to the "punch now, ask questions later" police academy. After unknowingly beating up the son of the police commissioner, he is encouraged by his boss to take a long vacation.

During this enforced break, he learns that Miko, the Japanese woman he loved 20 years ago, has died and left him her entire estate. This includes custody of her 19-year-old daughter, Yumi (Ryoko Hirosue). A quick calculation and -- bingo -- Yumi turns out to be Hubert's daughter.

The plot thickens when Hubert discovers that Yumi is set to inherit $200 million on her 20th birthday -- a sum of money the local mafia, the yakuza, feel belongs to them. Aided by his trusty sidekick Maurice (Michel Muller), Hubert saves the day by solving the mystery of Miko's death, forging a relationship with his newfound daughter and racking up an impressive body count of thugs along the way.

Other Information

What's 10 Billion Yen Money-Making Team's New Challenge?

Luc Besson, who has three different faces as a producer, director and screenwriter, has been hugely successful in every project he has ever been involved.

The total box office of his projects exceeds in 10 billion yen only in Japan. He is one and the only filmmaker whose projects have always been highly artistic, entertaining and successful both commercially and critically.

Now, multi-national talented crew and actors have gathered to contribute to his world. It is not French, nor Hollywood; it is the Besson Film. His latest project "WASABI".

How does Besson Magic Work on the collaboration of Jean Reno and Ryoko Hirosue?

Besson produces and writes "WASABI", and Gerard Krawczyk, who has achieved the new record in French box office for "Taxi 2", is going to direct.

It will be full of Besson world and unique action drama sets in France and Japan. The shooting of this huge-budgeted film is to be held in Paris, Tokyo and Kyoto.

The leading actress in Besson's film always becomes a phenomenon, and this time he chose Ryoko Hirosue who is one of the most talented and popular young actresses in Japan. We can certainly expect she will explore her new world.