Cells at Work (Romaji: Hataraku Saibou, Japanese: はたらく細胞) is an upcoming live-action film adaptation of the popular manga series by Akane Shimizu. Directed by Hideki Takeuchi, the film features a screenplay by Yuichi Tokunaga and is set to be released on December 13, 2024, in Japan. The film stars Mei Nagano, Takeru Satoh, Sadawo Abe, and Mana Ashida.
Plot Synopsis
Shigeru Urushizaki (Sadawo Abe) is a single father whose wife passed away long ago. He lives a very unhealthy lifestyle, indulging in junk food, alcohol, and cigarettes. His teenage daughter, Niko Urushizaki (Mana Ashida), leads a contrastingly healthy life. She is diligent in her high school studies and household responsibilities, constantly worried about her father's detrimental habits.
Inside Shigeru's body, despite the complaints about the toxic environment, the cells work tirelessly to keep him functioning. On the other hand, Niko's body is a well-maintained system where various cells, including red blood cell AE3803 (Mei Nagano) and white blood cell U-1146 (Takeru Satoh), work hard to maintain her health and well-being. However, the equilibrium is threatened as pathogens begin to invade, putting both father and daughter's bodies at risk.
Main Cast
- Mei Nagano as Red Blood Cell AE3803: A hardworking cell dedicated to transporting oxygen throughout Niko's body.
- Takeru Satoh as White Blood Cell U-1146: A diligent and protective cell responsible for defending Niko's body against pathogens.
- Sadawo Abe as Shigeru Urushizaki: A single father with an unhealthy lifestyle, struggling to cope after the loss of his wife.
- Mana Ashida as Niko Urushizaki: A responsible and health-conscious teenager concerned about her father's well-being.
Production Details
- Director: Hideki Takeuchi
- Writer: Akane Shimizu (manga), Yuichi Tokunaga
- Producer:
- Cinematographer:
- Distributor: Warner Bros. Japan
- Language: Japanese
- Country: Japan
- Release Date: December 13, 2024
- Runtime:
Notes
- The film is based on the manga series "Hataraku Saibou" by Akane Shimizu, which was published from January 26, 2015, to January 26, 2021, in the magazine Monthly Shonen Sirius.
- The first teaser trailer and still images have been released and can be viewed on AsianWiki's "Cells at Work" page.
Summary
Cells at Work brings to life the dynamic and intricate world within the human body, illustrating the daily struggles and heroic efforts of cells as they work to maintain health. The film portrays the contrasting lifestyles of a father and daughter, emphasizing the importance of healthy living while providing an engaging narrative about the microscopic heroes within us all. With a strong cast and experienced director, this live-action adaptation aims to capture the essence of the beloved manga series and bring its unique story to a wider audience.