barbosa2007 | Maou interview with Satoshi Ohno (Reply)

The original interview can be found here.

What were your thoughts after reading the script?

I had read through the script upon reading the Korean version, and although there were a few differences in certain parts of the setting, the role was a challenging one. The character is rather complex, he conceals his thirst for revenge within himself, and there are many emotions within the plot. I felt that I had to establish the character firmly within myself. There was a period of 11 years between the current story line and when the character’s brother got killed, so I had to think about how Naruse Ryou became a lawyer, how the thirst for revenge overwhelmed him, and things like that that weren’t included in the script.

What were your thoughts upon knowing which character you were playing?

I thought, “That’s bad…” (laughs) And when I heard the character was a lawyer, I went something like, “Eh~??” (laughs)

Did you feel unsure about whether you could pull this off successfully?

That’s right, because it’s a character which harbors a thirst for revenge. I’ve never sought revenge before, or thought about anything like that, so I felt unsure about how I would go about creating those emotions. However, I read through the script, created various scenarios in my mind and experimented with different things. As I played the role, even though it’s just a character, this thirst for revenge just welled up and I thought, that’s a new discovery.

You can’t just label Naruse Ryou as “evil”; it’s a difficult role…

Yeah it’s difficult… Even though his actions are evil, you couldn’t label his personality as being totally evil. He turned into who he is because of the incident 11 years ago, so it scares me how people can change because of a single event. If I were to place myself in his shoes, I probably would generate those emotions.

Did you do anything to create your character?

I didn’t do anything to create the character per se; after the shoot ends for the day, I don’t go, “Thanks for all the hard work~!” and rush off somewhere to do anything special. I go home straight away.

Since you were taking on the role of a lawyer, did you do any studying for the role?

Since I wanted to experience the atmosphere of the courtroom, I went to a hearing. Just so I could feel what it was like. I simply thought there were many types of cases in the world, and that it was a difficult job. I thought about a lot of things.

How do you feel about acting in a suspense thriller?

Up till now, my roles have mainly been playful characters. (laughs) Right before shooting started, I thought to myself, “Can I really do it??” However, as I went onto the set, the various subtle expressions and parts where I had act like I was suppressing my emotions were difficult. This was something I felt daily.

There were many scenes where you had to express yourself without using words.

That’s because [Naruse] keeps all his thoughts within himself. However, if I think too much my facial expressions becomes somewhat stiff, so I had to be calm and composed. That was the most difficult part initially.

Is it different from acting in a play?

It’s totally different. Rehearsals of a play takes place from the first act, and during the actual performance we let our feelings carry us from start to finish. However, in a drama, the shooting takes place in scattered times and places, and depending on the position of the camera you have to change your position. I couldn’t let myself get carried away by my emotions, so in those situations I had to exercise my powers of concentration.

Please tell us something about Ikuta-san whom you’re co-acting with for the first time

His focus is superb. I found out many things about him when we worked together. Before the shooting starts, he would imagine the kind of energy needed to create a certain atmosphere, this created a realistic feel and made it easier to work on the set.

Is there anything you would like viewers to gain from this drama?

Well it’s tough, but perhaps for them to feel that revenge isn’t desirable. If there were someone who wanted to take revenge, I hope that they wouldn’t want to after watching this drama.

Please leave a message for the viewers.

I’ve mostly taken on comedic roles so far, and since this is the first time I’m taking a serious role, I feel that I can give rise to a new me, so if you would follow this closely it would make me very happy. And for those who are seeing Ohno Satoshi for the first time, because I’m playing a character who’s out for revenge, if you could equate Naruse Ryou to Ohno Satoshi it would make me happy as well. I would be glad if that makes you take interest in me as a person. Normally you would note the personalities of people who take on villainous roles, so if I gave you that impression it would make me happy.