MIDNIGHT: Watch Takashi Miike’s Action-Packed Short Film Shot on an iPhone

“The night has countless faces. And there is a man who peers into them one by one.”
Manga comes to life in a surprise new short from Japanese auteur Takashi Miike. Working at a tireless pace, the filmmaker behind Audition, 13 Assassins, and Ichi the Killer has managed to deliver bloody, action-packed wild rides throughout his three-decade career. Now his fans can rejoice as he has just unveiled a new short film he has shot on an Apple iPhone 15! Based on Osamu Tezuka’s manga, Midnight follows a mysterious taxi driver in Tokyo who comes to the rescue of a young girl being chased by assassins. This action-packed short definitely has a better look than most everyday iPhone-shot videos. It is visually stunning and its sharp editing makes for one gripping watch that may inspire a generation of iPhone filmmakers.
Midnight mixes live-action with some manga animation, as well as action with a nice dose of humor – something Miike has excelled at in his films. So sit back, buckle up, and get ready for a nineteen-minute ride to remember.
Check out the short film below, along with the behind-the-scenes look.