Big in Japan

2015 • 100 minutes

About this movie

Things are looking bleak for the members of rock band Tennis Pro. They've been struggling to connect to an audience in the Seattle music scene, with a recent run of shows drawing sparse crowds and uninspiring day jobs that are quickly eclipsing their dreams. So when an opportunity arises to take their act on the road to Japan - where the allure of a second chance at recognition awaits them - they can t refuse. Embarking on their Tokyo musical odyssey, the guys experience all the thrills and setbacks of taking their music into unknown territory (at least to them) and in the process learn a thing or two about themselves. It s just possible they won't fade away. BIG IN JAPAN is a comedic rock 'n roll road movie based loosely on actual events and told with rollicking humor and catchy tunes. Director John Jeffcoat (OUTSOURCED) utilizes a fresh narrative approach and guerrilla production style, with music and film intersecting with two cultures to reveal simple, oftentimes hilarious, universal truths.

Ratings and reviews

When you watch the movie, remind yourself that this is an actual band that plays actual music who happens to be acting (as themselves) in a movie, as opposed to professional actors lip-syncing and playing air-guitars and pretending to be someone else. Unlike many movies that tend to rely on stereotypes for cheap entertainment, this movie shows a pretty accurate portrait of Tokyo, the food, and Japanese life there.

What a great little movie, from start to finish! I enjoyed this so much I'm going to watch it again now! The story is amazing and light hearted, and funny at just the right times. It also has a great soundtrack by Tennis Pro, which, the band themselves are acting in the movie! I loved it, and this is a film that you should definitely check out if you're into to music, and especially Indy, pop, classical, whatever kinda rock that floats your boat!

As a musician who spent a few years playing for no one in seattle this movie hits it right on the head. Definitely one of the best movies about a struggling band i have ever seen.