Source: Collider
Rinko Kikuchi is kind of a well kept secret in Hollywood. She's the first Japanese actress to be nominated for an Academy Award in 50 years for her turn as a deaf-mute teenage girl in 2006's Babel. Kikuchi is also one-of-five actresses in the entire history of the Academy Awards to be nominated for an award as a result of a role in which she does not speak a word. However, she'll be in the mainstream spotlight soon thanks to upcoming roles in 47 Ronin and Pacific Rim. Speaking to Sheila Roberts of Collider, Kikuchi revealed the following tidbits about her experience [thus far] shooting Pacific Rim:
Who do you play in Pacific Rim? Can you tell us what kind of role it is?
KIKUCHI: "I play a pilot of a robot. This is my first big action hero role. She’s really tough."
Do you get to do a lot of action scenes?
KIKUCHI: "Yes! I’m so happy [to do that]."
What is the coolest part about making Pacific Rim?
KIKUCHI: "Everything. My character is really tough. I’ve never played this type of character before. It was a completely new experience for me. I can’t stop thinking about this character, but in a really good way. It’s good for me to have fun. Making this film feels like fun and not work."
What’s it like working with Guillermo del Toro?
KIKUCHI: "I’m so happy to work with him. Every moment, he was so happy with the cast and with this shoot. He makes me happy each day when we finish shooting. If he’s happy, then that means I’m happy. I’m completely enthusiastic about this character and working for him and making this movie."
What is it like filming in Toronto? How much more shooting is left?
KIKUCHI: "It’s still going on. We’re just in the middle of the shoot. Right now, I’m shooting in Toronto until April with Guillermo."
There's more from the exotic beauty over at Collider, including a brief update on Keanu Reeves' 47 Ronin, a film that I am personally, eagerly anticipating.