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| Beethoven’s Dirty Secret? Yamada Yuki to Star in Twisted Biopic “Beethoven Netsuzou” |
Turns out, the great Beethoven might not have been such a saint after all.
Yamada Yuki is stepping into seriously bold territory as the lead in the upcoming historical drama “Beethoven Netsuzou” (translation: Beethoven Fabrication), set to hit cinemas in Japan on 12 September 2025.
Based on the critically acclaimed nonfiction book by Kagehara Shiho, this film takes us deep into one of classical music’s most unexpected scandals—with a distinctly Japanese twist.
Written by comedy-genius-turned-screenwriter Bakarhythm (yes, that Bakarhythm), and directed by music video maestro Kazuaki Seki, the story reimagines Beethoven’s legacy through the eyes of his obsessive secretary, Anton Schindler—played by Yamada—who, apparently, rewrote history out of sheer devotion.
Here’s the scoop: in 19th-century Vienna, Beethoven was a cranky, foul-mouthed, unkempt old man.
Not exactly the divine genius image we’re spoon-fed in schoolbooks.
But after his death, Schindler, desperate to protect the man who saved him from despair, went all-in on an image makeover.
He scrubs away the dirt, elevates Beethoven to sainthood, and builds the myth of the tortured but holy genius we all know today.
The question is: was it love, delusion, or just straight-up propaganda?
This isn't your typical classical composer biopic, either.
Bakarhythm’s script is packed with dry wit, offbeat dialogue, and that oddly charming slice-of-life vibe he’s known for—think historical scandal meets awkward office drama.
Yamada portrays Schindler with a mix of manic loyalty and tragic vulnerability, while acting legend Furuta Arata plays Beethoven himself, embracing the genius's eccentricities and rage in full, glorious force.
Also worth shouting about: the film was shot using cutting-edge virtual production tech—massive LED panels and 3DCG environments—which allowed them to recreate 19th-century Vienna without ever leaving Japan.
Pretty clever, that.
And of course, Beethoven’s iconic music will be featured throughout the film, with the kind of rich sound you’ll want to hear in a proper cinema.
Visuals from the film already tease its playful yet tragic tone.
One striking poster shows Yamada’s Schindler cradling a dramatic oil painting of Beethoven (played by Furuta), almost like a man holding onto a holy relic.
The tagline? “Love run amok rewrites history.” Perfectly sums it up, really.
Bakarhythm says the original book fascinated him—“How do you condense something so big into one film?” he asked.
Apparently with lots of trial, error, and sharp dialogue.
Director Seki added that bringing real historical figures to life with such emotional intensity was a massive challenge—but one he tackled head-on with his talented cast and crew.
As for Yamada, he shared that while we’ll never truly know what happened between Beethoven and Schindler, this film offers a powerful ‘what if’.
A story about admiration so intense it turns into obsession, justice warped by love, and a lie so convincing it becomes truth.
Honestly, this might just be the most unorthodox Beethoven film ever made.
We’ll see if Schindler’s big fat lie stands the test of time—or if the truth finally breaks through the orchestral swell.
Mark your calendars for September. This one’s going to make some noise.