Director Matsumoto Yūsaku on the Embattled Genius at the Heart of “Winny”

Actor Higashide Masahiro gained 18 kilograms to play Winny developer Kaneko. (© 2023 Winny Production Committee)

In a scene from the film, Kaneko is surrounded by press as he leaves the courthouse. (© 2023 Winny Production Committee)

Isamu’s sister (played by Yoshida Yō) speaking with Dan (Miura Takahiro) at Isamu’s funeral. (© 2023 Winny Production Committee)

A lieutenant with the Kyoto Prefectural Police’s High-Tech Crime Taskforce, who interviewed Kaneko after his arrest, testifies in court. (© 2023 Winny Production Committee)

Winny shows the friendship that grew between Kaneko and Dan. (© 2023 Winny Production Committee)

The film also includes mention of the Ehime Prefectural Police bribe scandal, which shocked Japan at the same time as the Winny case. (© 2023 Winny Production Committee)