Watch The Calamari Wrestler

The Calamari Wrestler is a 2004 Japanese comedy-drama film directed by Minoru Kawasaki, starring 'Hurricane Ryu' Hariken, Kana Ishida, and Nobuo Kameko. It is a story about a professional wrestler named Koji Taguchi who becomes popular for his signature move, "Squid Drop," and has a bizarre secret — he is a giant squid. The movie starts with Koji, who is the reigning champion of the wrestling world and a fan-favorite, losing a match to Yonekawa, his long-time rival. However, the following day, he is found unconscious on a beach shore, and when he wakes up, he discovers that he has transformed into a giant squid. Koji is devastated by his transformation, as it means that his career as a professional wrestler is now over. Instead of accepting his fate, he decides to try and continue his wrestling career, this time as The Calamari Wrestler.

Koji's transition into The Calamari Wrestler is not easy, as he faces both physical and emotional challenges. Apart from adapting to life as a giant squid, he also struggles with the fact that his fans and colleagues think he's just Koji in a squid costume. He has to fight against the belief that he is a fake and prove that he is a serious wrestler in his own right.

At the same time, The Calamari Wrestler becomes a popular icon and a sensation in the wrestling world. He captivates fans with his signature move, "Squid Drop," and has a growing number of fans who support him irrespective of his bizarre appearance. However, his growing popularity also attracts a lot of unwanted attention. He becomes the subject of a TV show where he has to wrestle against real octopuses, which leaves him exhausted and drained.

Meanwhile, Koji tries to maintain a normal life with his girlfriend, Miyako, despite his transformation. Although she is initially shocked by Koji's transformation, she supports him throughout his struggles and becomes a source of strength for him. Miyako helps Koji get through his difficult times and tries to keep his secret hidden from the world.

The Calamari Wrestler is a unique movie that combines elements of comedy and drama, and it is a satire on human perceptions of identity and self-image. The film explores the themes of acceptance, love, and the importance of self-belief. Koji's transformation into The Calamari Wrestler is a metaphor for accepting one's uniqueness and not being defined by societal norms.

The movie also includes several hilarious scenes that are typical of Japanese comedy movies. For instance, one scene shows Koji trying to use chopsticks to eat sushi, which is a challenge for him as he has eight tentacles. Another funny scene depicts Koji getting lost in a forest and mistaking a group of small children for octopuses.

Overall, The Calamari Wrestler is a touching and entertaining movie that will make you laugh and cheer for the underdog hero. The film explores themes that are relevant to our daily lives and encourages us to accept ourselves for who we are. The Calamari Wrestler is a must-watch for anyone who loves wrestling, comedy, and drama.