AWAKE 2020
Director Atsuhiro Yamada's AWAKE (2020) follows Eichi, a young man who steps away from his childhood dream of becoming a professional shogi player and channels his ambition into designing an artificial intelligence program to master the ancient board game.
Director: Atsuhiro Yamada
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AWAKE (2020) about?
AWAKE (2020) tells the story of Eichi, a former shogi prodigy who shifts gears to build an AI program capable of outsmarting human players. As he immerses himself in the project, he discovers that the real challenge isn't just programming—it's reconciling his past with a future he never expected.
Who directed AWAKE?
AWAKE was directed by Atsuhiro Yamada, a filmmaker known for crafting deeply human stories about perseverance and transformation.
Who stars in AWAKE?
The film features Ryo Yoshizawa in the lead role alongside Ryuya Wakaba, Motoki Ochiai, Fumika Baba, and Kanichiro Sato.
Is AWAKE (2020) worth watching?
With its thoughtful exploration of ambition and reinvention, AWAKE is a compelling drama for fans of character-driven narratives. While not a high-octane thriller, its quiet intensity and authentic portrayal of shogi culture make it a rewarding watch for those seeking substance over spectacle.
How long is AWAKE?
AWAKE has a runtime of 119 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
AWAKE (2020): A Shogi-Inspired Drama About Ambition and Reinvention
Director Atsuhiro Yamada's AWAKE (2020) follows Eichi, a young man who steps away from his childhood dream of becoming a professional shogi player and channels his ambition into designing an artificial intelligence program to master the ancient board game. As Eichi dives deep into coding and algorithm training, he uncovers a surprising parallel between human intuition and machine logic, blurring the lines between emotion and computation in a quietly mesmerizing drama. The film's contemplative pace mirrors the measured moves of shogi itself, weaving themes of perseverance, self-discovery, and the unexpected paths life takes when closed doors open new ones.
Starring Ryo Yoshizawa as the determined Eichi, AWAKE features a talented ensemble cast, including Ryuya Wakaba and Motoki Ochiai as peers navigating their own journeys. With its understated yet richly atmospheric storytelling, the movie explores the quiet intensity of creative obsession and the quiet victories found in reinvention. Set against the backdrop of Japan's shogi subculture, it's a gentle yet compelling reflection on ambition and adaptation.