Diary of a Mad Old Man (film)
2026 drama film by Wayne Wang
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Diary of a Mad Old Man (Japanese: 瘋癲老人日記, Hepburn: Fūten rōjin nikki) is an upcoming drama film directed by Wayne Wang. Written by Kelvin Wyles, it is based on 1961 book of the same name by the Japanese writer Jun'ichirō Tanizaki. Starring Lily Franky, and Fan Bingbing, it follows an aging widower having an intimate relationship with his caregiver daughter-in-law.[1]
- Shozo Ichiyama
- Francey Grace
- Andrei Epifanov
- Eleonora Granata-Jenkinson
| Diary of a Mad Old Man | |
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| Directed by | Wayne Wang |
| Screenplay by | Kelvin Wyles |
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| Cinematography | Koichi Furuya |
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| Music by | Arthur Sharpe |
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Running time | 119 minutes |
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The film will have its world premiere in Gala Presentations at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival on September 18, 2026.[2]
Synopsis
On the eve of his 69th birthday, Utsugi suffers a stroke that leaves the left side of his body paralyzed. He is cared for by his sister-in-law Hana and his daughter-in-law Susu. When the family plans a summer vacation, Utsugi decides to remain at home, with Susu staying behind to care for him. As they spend time together, Utsugi begins to interpret Susu's behavior as an indication of romantic interest. Their relationship changes as they discuss their personal concerns and gradually become intimate.
Cast
- Lily Franky as Utsugi
- Fan Bingbing as Satsuko
- Youki Kudoh as Hana
- Takumi Saitoh as Jokichi
- Asana Mamoru as Fumiko
Production
In February 2025, the film was in pre-production state and was launched at the European Film Market. Set in Tokyo, it was expected shoot in the summer of 2025.[1]
In October 2025, it was revealed that Fan Bingbing would work with Wayne Wang in his film Diary of a Mad Old Man. Lily Franky and Gabriel Byrne would join her in the film based on the 1961 novel of the same name by Japanese author Jun'ichirō Tanizaki.[3]
Release
Diary of a Mad Old Man will have world premiere in Gala Presentations at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival on September 18, 2026.[4][5]
It will be screened in 'A Window on Asian Cinema' section of the 31st Busan International Film Festival in October 2026.[6][7]
London-based Bankside Films acquired the International sales rights to the film in February 2025.[1]