People are amazed why Igarashi, a genius and future lawyer with top marks, suddenly becomes a member of the university wrestling club. Despite a slender physique and surprising learning problems, he is fast redubbed the Notorious Reptile Man, because of his unpredictable behaviour in the ring. But what his team mates do not know is that each day, like the title so fittingly hints at, he has to wrestle a hard fight against his own memory. Seemingly starting out as a youth comedy, like a Japanese Groundhog Day meets Memento, this film eventually turns into a rock solid, sad drama.

Original title Gachi bōi

Year 2008

Director KOIZUMI Norihiro

Screenplay HOURAI Ryuta, NISHIDA Seishi

Cinematography KASAI Yasuhito

Cast SATO Ryuta, SAEKO, MUKAI Osamu, NAKA Riisa, MIYAGAWA Daisuke

Production Company Toho Company

Runtime 2h

Format 35mm

Links IMDb