Title: Virus (Original Japanese Title: Fukkatsu no Hi / 復活の日) Year: 1980 Director: Kinji Fukasaku Production Company: Haruki Kadokawa Office Runtime: 156 minutes (Original Japanese Cut); 108 minutes (International Version); 94 minutes (U.S. TV Version) Country: Japan Languages: English, Japanese, French, German Format: Color, Sound Genres: Science Fiction, Post-Apocalyptic Drama, Thriller --- Synopsis: In the early 1980s, a genetically engineered virus known as MM88 is accidentally released into the atmosphere following a plane crash. This virus amplifies the potency of any other pathogen, leading to a catastrophic global pandemic that decimates the human population. The only survivors are a group of scientists and military personnel stationed in Antarctica, where the virus cannot survive due to sub-zero temperatures. As they attempt to rebuild civilization, they discover that an automated nuclear retaliation system may trigger global annihilation in the event of seismic activity. A desperate mission is launched to prevent this final catastrophe. --- Cast: Masao Kusakari as Dr. Shûzô Yoshizumi Sonny Chiba as Dr. Yamauchi George Kennedy as Admiral Conway Robert Vaughn as Senator Barkley Olivia Hussey as Marit Glenn Ford as President Richardson Chuck Connors as Captain McCloud Henry Silva as General Garland Edward James Olmos as Captain Lopez Bo Svenson as Major Carter Isao Natsuyagi as Commander Nakanishi Stephanie Faulkner as Sarah Baker Stuart Gillard as Dr. Edward Meyer Cec Linder as Dr. Latour George Touliatos as Colonel Rankin Chris Wiggins as Dr. Borodinov Colin Fox as Agent Z Ken Pogue as Dr. Krause Alberta Watson as Litha --- Production Notes: Virus was one of the most ambitious Japanese film productions of its time, with a budget of approximately US$13 million, making it the most expensive Japanese film ever made at its release. The film was shot on location in various parts of Canada, including Kleinburg, Ottawa, and Halifax, as well as in Tokyo. The production received support from the Chilean Navy, which provided the submarine Simpson (SS-21) for filming. Additionally, submarine interiors were filmed aboard the Canadian Forces' HMCS Okanagan (S74). The film features an international ensemble cast and was intended for both domestic and international audiences. --- Legacy: Upon its release, Virus was notable for its large-scale production and international cast. While it did not achieve significant commercial success, the film has since gained a cult following, particularly among fans of post-apocalyptic and science fiction cinema. Its exploration of global catastrophe and human resilience continues to resonate with audiences. --- Trivia: The film was based on the 1964 novel Virus by Sakyo Komatsu. Director Kinji Fukasaku initially hired an American company for special effects but later opted for a Japanese company to achieve a more stylized and poetic visual approach. The film's music includes the song "Toujours Gai Mon Cher (You Are Love)" with lyrics by Janis Ian, produced by Teo Macero. The production faced challenges, including a Swedish cruiser used to transport the crew being heavily damaged by a coral reef off the Chilean coast, requiring rescue by the Navy. --- Curated Hashtags: #Virus1980 #FukkatsuNoHi #KinjiFukasaku #PostApocalyptic #JapaneseCinema #SciFiDrama #GlobalPandemic #CultClassic #InternationalCast #NuclearThreat