Sci-Fi Fantasy Short Film: "Robu" Starring Emmy Winner Jharrel Jerome | DUST
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- Опубліковано 22 вер 2024
- On a quest to find the comic book he’s been searching for his entire life, an adventurous 17 year-old travels to Tokyo and discovers a world in which Japanese comics are real and that he’s one of the main characters.
"Robu" by Kai Hasson
Connect with the Film/Filmmaker:
www.portal-a.com/
/ kaihasson
robufilm.com/
More About "Robu":
Robu is a short film from Japanese-American director Kai Hasson, starring Emmy-winner Jharrel Jerome and Kazuki Kitamura. The story follows Rob (Jerome, Moonlight and When They See Us), a 17-year-old who is on the adventure of a lifetime: a four-day quest to find the second issue of his favorite Japanese comic book that his father left him. His journey introduces him to the odd world of manga, as he meets friends like Yuuki (Kitamura, Kill Bill Volume 1), a local salaryman with a dream of his own. Shortly into his adventure, Rob begins to notice that the world of his manga is coming to life, and that he just might be the main character.
"Robu" Credits:
Directed By: Kai Hasson
Written By: Kai Hasson & Josh Hallman
Produced By: Elyse Preiss & Kenji Green
Director Of Photography: Alex Jacobs
Edited By: Kai Hasson & Aleshka Ferrero
Production Design & Original Art By: Kikuo Ota
Music By: Steve Reidell
Produced With: Portal A
Starring
Jharrel Jerome (Rob/Robu)
Kazuki Kitamura (Yuuki)
Hatoko Soran (Gardener)
Cast
Kotoha Hirayama (Akiko)
Koichi Kosse (Karl)
Nuno Uraji (Chizu)
Ryota Kawamura (Manga Clerk)
Kazumasa Nomura (Manga Clerk)
Mika Suzuki (Manga Clerk)
Kohei Sonoda (Manga Clerk)
Cherry Yoshitake (Manga Clerk)
Shintaro Morimoto (Manga Clerk)
Akira Nishiguchi (Manga Clerk)
Kiriko Kina (Manga Clerk)
Riichi Koike (Manga Clerk)
Yurino (Manga Clerk)
Misuzu Oshima (School Kid)
Ruka Uchimine (School Kid)
Nagomi Ebina (School Kid)
Hiroaki Shimizu (Manga Store Patron)
Minami Motoyoshi (Manga Store Clerk)
Yukiko Green (Manga Store Patron)
Hisanori Shimoi (Manga Store Patron)
Wakana Kanda (Manga Store Patron)
Shingo Yabuki (Manga Store Patron)
Kinta Izumi (Manga Store Patron)
Azusa Outani (Manga Store Patron)
Tomohisa Hashizume (Restaurant Patron)
Mamiko Hasegawa (Restaurant Patron)
Yuta Watanuki (Restaurant Patron)
Eriko Hagiwara (Restaurant Patron)
Takeyuki Suzuki (Restaurant Patron)
Sho Kitami (Restaurant Clerk)
Leonel Claude (Dad)
Yuki Matsuzaki (Airport Announcer)
O’shay Neal (Rob/Robu Stand In)
Crew
Producer: Josh Hallman
Associate Producers: Olivia Parker & Bryant Swanstrom
Casting Directors: Nicole Abellera Hallman & Ko Iwagami
Casting Associate: Hannah Caruso
Costume Designer: Ayumi Moore
Costumer: Azuna Saito & Kanna Wasserman
Camera Operator: Bryant Swanstrom
1st Assistant Camera: Michael Hicks
Sound Mixer: Ryotaro Harada
Gaffer: Minoru Odamaki
Hair & Makeup: Yuka Shimizu
Art Department: Ryuichi Terao, Toshiya Kobuna, Keisuke Sakurai, Keita Yoshida, Ippei Kumazawa, Kei Yagi
Production Coordinator: Daiya Deguchi
Production Assistants: Toru Arioka, Joe Everitt, Nozumi De Lencquesaing
Lead Transportation: Kohei Kawai
Driver: Yesman Yamazaki
Story By: Kai Hasson
Assistant Editor: Arturo Morales, Danny Vigour
Visual Effects: Rafael Fuentes, Arturo Morales
Animator: Pierce Wilson
Colorist: Aaron Hayden
Sound Supervisor / Re-recording Mixer: Brent Kiser
Re-recording Mixer / Dialogue Editor: Ian Chase
Sound Editor: Steven Blevins, Leo Cho
Post Production Coordinator: Timothy Preston
This Film Would Not Be Possible Without:
Chizu Hamada & William Hasson
Zach Blume & Nate Houghteling
Rufus Burnham & AJ Crankshaw
Special Thanks To:
The Camera Division
Unbridled Sound
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Hi everyone! I’m Kai, the director of ROBU. Thank you so much for taking the time to watch our little movie. We’re honored to be on DUST, and I’d be very happy to answer any questions you have. Our team was both Japanese and American, and the making of this film was an incredible adventure. Thanks so much, hope you like it.
Great 👍
Absolutely loved it 😀
That was awesome! Thank you for the movie..
What a delight--thanks so much for sharing it with us!
Was the story written before the damaged building was found? - and was it damaged in an earthquake? Great film, really enjoyed it.
I was totally engaged in the story immediately. While not an anime reader, I am a lifelong reader and especially a science fiction reader. I'm 69 years old and in my youth I spent many hours and days searching for obscure titles in new and used book stores, sometimes going to other cities in pursuit! I felt this guys "Pain" and also enjoyed his camaraderie with the gang in the local bar and cafe. When art transcends into life the magic happened and I sat up staringht in my chair with a big smile on my face! Who could ask for anything more? Thanks for a wonderful cinematic experience! Keep 'em coming!
Thank you so much Anna-Lisa! Your comment means a lot. As a kid I used to wander around Tokyo looking for comics and books while my mom was on business. We tried to capture that feeling in this film. Glad you've had that similar experience!
You said exactly how I felt and feel. Amazing work.
@ Anna Lisa Girling I totally Geek you 100%
Ditto! 62 and not into comics but I enjoyed this.
63 and it's been over 45 yrs since I last picked up a comic but, like you, loved this film. Hope the story of 'Robu' is not finished yet.
I loved it. My dad passed away when I was 18. I am 52 now.
I miss him every day. Every meal, I think of something he would say.
I love you Dad.
I would bet he was proud of you. God Bless
You really loved your dad. So beautiful! I miss my dad too. He died from cancer. I was 19 then. Now I'm 62. Dads are really special. I missed him much of my childhood as he was travelling. I remember him sending me books and postcards from different places he travelled to. We didn't have access to internet or email. We waited anxiously for the next airmail from him. He wrote us many letters of wisdom. I am thankful for his memory. He loved my mother dearly. Somehow he knew he would die before her. He wrote to her in a letter many years before he was diagnosed: "The petals of the flower holds its dew, to make it fragrant before it falls. Like that your love settles in my heart, to bring you all joy before I fall"
Being in Japan for a few years, I understand his frustration with his search.
The beautiful thing is there are Japanese who are willing to help, no matter how small.
Tsubarashii!
Yeah! Subarashiiiii!
Really enjoyed this, well acted, good story, with good pacing and just the right amount of little surprises to keep the interest going. One of the best of the Dust short stories in my opinion.
Aw man, this has SO much potential to be its own series!
But, he didn't ONCE think to ask the woman, "Uh, how did you KNOW my name?"
He was just finding out that he was living the story told in the manga. He was visibly overwhelmed.
@@mugwump7049 Not when she first said, "Robu--why did you come to Japan?"
@@lego4virgo Uh, yes he was. He found the woman precisely because of what was drawn in the manga.
hmm even though the subtitles says she says "rob" she sounds like she just says "huh"...
Amazing....I love 'DUST"...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A welcome addition to the Dust series that doesn't have the cliched, cop-out twist, leave-you-scratching-your-head ending. Well done and highly professional and polished piece.
Perfect description of what the DUST series don't have. Ooo - rah to that!
I don't know how anyone thinks this is good. The ending made me feel like I just wasted 18 minutes
Wow, the best origin story I have seen in a long time. A lot of heart written in. Domo arigato.
"Origin story". Yeah. Legacy passed on to a son, through a common passion that they never spoke of. And, then the word "recruitment" came to mind. That's not too rare a theme, but I've always loved this kind of story.
Domo arigato, mister roboto!
Just brilliant, everything is just brilliant. What happens next, you have to do a sequel !!
Go to Japan to find out.
They just did!
This short film is a true masterpiece, an adventure within an adventure, I hope there will be a sequel! ✨🤖✨
Yes u r Right. There needs to be further info on the back story and for the future.
Me too!
Definitely not a masterpiece. The ending is just annoying and stupid. Actually the whole damn plot is stupid
@@boigercat for a short story it is engaging. May not be perfect but it was whimsical I’m it’s own way. Not everything has to be Stars Wars or MCU quality to be good.
@@wulvsirlen1153 I don't expect it to be star wars or mcu, Those are not good examples anyway. But my point is the ending literally made me feel like I wasted my time
At first, it seemed as if something nefarious was at play because of the way the first clerk reacted. By the time Robu reached where he needed to be there was no time for the old cliche "How did you know my name?" The sentinel had been guarding the wreckage. Robu knew he was on an extraordinary journey and things occurred to him as he went along. He was definitely relying on what seemed to be a super power. When he pushed that throttle . . . I thought "what a ride he's gonna have" and I felt thrilled for him! He's fixin' to have a virtual, interactive experience. Superbly executed!
We need part 2
Every so often, one of these Dust shorts just knocks the ball clean outta the park. And here it is, a cinematic grand slam.
This needs a 2nd issue, loved it!
That was excellent! Well done.
This is one of the best shorts on 'Dust' I have ever watched. It had so much going for it. I won't list them all because all of you who enjoyed it will get it.
Loved this and I'm not a manga fan although in my early adulthood, I was a bit of a graphic novel/comic fan. Pre _teh interwebz_ that is.
this is one of the best I've seen on Dust.
It wasn't a manga it was instructions that's cool as fuck
Yes. Loved that twist.
@@liquidsonly same
We need more!!!!
I see what they did there. The whole thing was about this mysterious second issue, then it ends leaving the audience asking when do we get our second issue! Brilliant!!!
A fabulous short film. Well acted, nice cinematography, and a great little story that engages the audience. Having lived in Japan for a few years, over 20 years ago, I could really identify with the characters' interactions and the attempts to speak each other's languages. Well done, and thank you for sharing.
Ah, glad you could identify with that. It's a big part of the experience, when one person can speak a bit of English and the other person can speak a bit of Japanese. Thanks for watching!
Incredible film, Kai. So very glad I came upon this gem.
Thank you Kai & Associates!! One of the best "little movies" I have ever seen. No doubt your movies and fans will exceed any expectations !!! Sincerely, Sentebey
One of my favorite shorts of all time!
Very good storyline and great visuals 👌
I loved the quaint atmosphere of Robu's quest, his exploration of the city, and his easy going relationship with the Japanese kids troupe. The short shots of comic books sellers were brilliant. Needoru in a haystack! I wouldn't mind to watch the whole movie just about that even without the sci-fi element.
Ok, hands down this is one of the best short films I've seen in years! I'd love to see this expanded into a mini series, it's that well written and acted. Great work!
Thanks for watching! Really appreciate it.
Channeling Ray Bradbury! Awesome story!
I really enjoyed the movie. Arigato, Kai. I like how the main character explores outwards. Only to find the answers can be found inwards. Please continue to do more projects! This was received as very heartfelt. Bests~
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful !!! Congrats on an incredible, entertaining, well acted, filmed, and directed short film. I was mesmerized from the beginning. Kudos to Kai Hasson, Josh Hallman & Jharrel Jerome for a brilliant piece of work.
This is quite fantastic. The story, the characters & the acting, all great! I enjoyed how the comic book sets up the reality and foreshadows what's to come. Yet, it also pulls the viewer along. I was just itching to know what happens next. Somehow, it even manages to surprise in the end. Great work!
Robu lives!!!!
That was OUTSTANDING! Wow, just plain wow!
This was great! A very intriguing story. I loved all the peppered clues he had to follow. And I'd love a sequel. And please bring back Kazuki Kitamura! Love him!
This is on another level.. Thanks a lot for making this! Arigato!
What a fabulous orgin story! You gave the child in me hope again! 😎
100 times better then anything Ive seen outta Hollywood in years.
What a great story!! Well done, too!
Another wonderful Dust presentation. Great story and pacing Kai 😎
Ohhhh, Man! You can't end it there! Please don't end this saga! No!
Really ends like that? COMON!!!! Amazing treasure hunt concept. Did those as a kid. PART 2 BABY!!
There is an old saying "Leave them wanting more" ... Mission accomplished ! : ]
awww that feeling when you finally found what you ages been looking for!
Amazing, thankyou. You had me on the edge from the start. I laughed so hard at the “needle in the haystack”joke. Though I was disappointed by the ending. It could just have been his childhood picture on the wall in the temple, indicating that his dad was the author, and had left the uncompleted work there. Would have explained his trips to Japan, and thus giving him closure on his father.
Couldn't stop watching - had me hook, lined and sinkered.
This definitely needs a continuation.
Freakin' GOOSEBUMPS!!!!!!! The comic reader inside of me LOVED THIS SO MUCH. Thank you, DUST ----you're incomparable.
I too enjoyed this film and i shared with my son Micah to further inspire him in acting! The young man in this film did a wonderful job expressing his desire to find his path and his future! Funny my 1st name is Jerome, thanks to all!
Yea this is what we’re talking about. Fantastic. A complete short story with a great ending that’s not all dark, metaphorical or edgy. This is the best sci-fi short I’ve seen on UA-cam and I’ve seen a lot and a lot of them
sucky monkey balls. But not this one. Great job!
The most satisfying short I have ever watched...
It's such a great story and so engaging. From start to finish it pulls you in and doesn't let go of your imagination til the end!
Thank you so much for such a great video!
Thank you so much for watching, Patricia. Means a lot!
I'm continually amazed by what humans can imagine and bring to life. Great story!
Love this channel
Suspense, mystery, drama, so much emotion. Sometimes the void in our life is already filled with greatness.
Came for Jharrel,stayed for the story
Seriously good story!
Wow Kitamura Kazuki! Very nice and very addicting story! :O
Wow! Love the twist in the tale, and the fact the seeds were there from the start!
The izakaya scene gave me flashbacks - lived in Tokyo for a few years and used to go boozing after work to an izakaya that looked a lot like that and drunk sararimen and OLs would always come and practice their English at me.
This was just amazing! So sublime film language, very very nice soundrack and wonderful story, great acting. Loved every second and it brought a big smile on my face. Keep up this wonderful work! 😃
Very interesting story with a very nice ending. Thank you for creating and sharing this. For the record: “needle haystack” does not mean impossible, it just means difficult; but, as it turned out, he would not have found the book in that store anyway.
I gave up on Dust for a while. I was disappointed in all the stories, as everyone always died or suffered even worse fates, or they ended because they could not come up with an ending...and they deluded themselves that...that made it art. Or they really had no story...just trying to show off their CGI skills...or otherwise audition...to get a job...having no dedication to telling the audience a story. Glad I returned. There have been some very good stories lately. This one is a gem.
The best DUST story so far
ONE OF THE BEST SHORTMOVIES i saw for a long time :D
Besides that I speak my self basic Nihongo .
Very nice :)
REALLY Good!!!
Kitamura Kazuki is a way more prolific actor than the lead, by far... Please, look him up, and watch the films he's been in. Such an unbelievably talented actor. Can't believe he appeared in this.
Loved it, great story ending, one life story ends and another begins, the son following in his father's footsteps, wonderful. Makes me wonder if the ones he showed the manga to knew a bit and wanted him to discover what his father left as his legacy....and yes the next issue is most definitely going to be better than the first. Great short.
Quite the hero lad! 👍
I just watched (with a lot of discomfort) "The Mailbox". A Dust movie about the Chinese altering time for their benefit. I thought it SUCKED! Then I watched this and instantly said to my wife NOW THIS IS A DUST MOVIE!!! IT was everything a Dust movie should be! This was PERFECT!!! And while we both are fans of Manga, Anime, and Japan Culture over Chinese, Remove all that and the story stands alone as just great content!!!! Thank you VERY MUCH!!!
I too would like to see a sequel.
Excellent short.
Wow just wow!!! Please make a part 2!!!!!
this one kept me on.the edge of my seat throughout
Not too shabby. I like it very much usually I'm more into the Sci-Fi but this was interesting in its own right. Thank you
Well, it is sci-fi.
@@mugwump7049 yea in a way though it's fantasy more or less.
@@gost2633 Fantasy?
heh, loved it when he dropped into the pilot's seat... XD
sehr guter Kurzfilm.
ein großer Dank an den Regisseur und das Team.
danke
What a beautiful short ! Thank you
BRAVO !!! I had no idea where this was going. GREAT FILM !!!
What a fun story. ありがとうございました for sharing such a wonderful story! Very well done.
Very, very good! Please make this into a feature film. We desperately need character driven, sci-fi that is broad and uplifting. And...instead of "saving the world" I would like to see the protagonist travel through time, and between this world and the next dimension, with his friend from Japan that wants the adventure of another country, and the two discover the meaning of creation and the difficult journeys of each plane of life before eternity.
Outstanding! ❤️
Thank you
🇨🇦❤️
Holy Carp! I hate hate hate manga because ... It doesn't matter. I started a comic book company to win her back but ... I failed.
This whole thing is a mind blow and I loved it!! Thank you. I now have one exception to my hate.
I think we are prepared for issue #2!
I lived in Tokyo for like 15 years and recognized some of the places. Nice and pretty accurate portrayal of Tokyoites. Great story.
Now, this plot was great! A fresh surprise compared to most short films! Well done!. Looking for the next one! Congrats from Northeast Pennsylvania USA!
Well done, Kai & all! As the American mother of a Japanese speaker, I compliment Mr. Jerome's Japanese. While I watched 1st on my own, my son recognized the Japanese spoken & complimented the pronunciation & dialect/accent. Would love to see more of Robu's story!!
Another little jewel. Thank you.
that was simple and solid work,i liked it so much
Sir, this is one of the best stories I have seen on Dust! I enjoyed it so much that I watched it twice!
Please, if you can, Give us more?
Thank you!
woah that was so good, hope to see the 2nd issue soon!!
AMAZIIIIIINNNNNNGGGGGG!!!!!! Glued to the end!!!!
Outstanding! Need Issue three.
Short but intense and WONDERFUL 🙂
We definitely need more, please and soon. Great video keep up the good work.
Well Kai i have one word for you and your crew. Outstanding!!
BRILLIANT!!! Well done indeed!!!
Well worth the ride.
The 'Quest' should always
bring closure to you at the end.
Sometimes though sadly
it may not.
Very very enjoyable.
Great acting.
Exciting story.
It had ALL the elements
you would be looking for.
*DuraSaxon* ✝️
Awesome...This should be a movie
throughly enjoyed this. Very engrosing, great acting, great story line. Well done.
I loved this from the beginning, love everything about Japan, the search, the mystery, the sweet old lady. Just because you're lost doesn't mean you're not on the right track!
Loved it! Great visual, some mystery, cool music 🎵
I don't like to throw around the word "perfect," but I can't think of any way to improve any aspect of this. Amazing!
This was truly truly wonderful ❤️❤️🥲