It’s exciting to hear that Sofia Coppola and Keanu Reeves have collaborated on a tribute short film for the 100th anniversary of The House of Suntory, a Japanese whisky-maker. The partnership is particularly special considering their history together, as Reeves previously dated Coppola in the early ’90s.

The film project is a tribute to Suntory and their famous line, “For relaxing times, make it Suntory Time,” which was featured in Coppola’s film Lost in Translation, set in Tokyo. Reeves himself has also starred in a Suntory ad in the 1990s, further connecting him to the brand.

Filming the tribute film in Japan was a wonderful experience for Reeves, who got to visit the founding distillery Yamazaki and meet master blenders and various artisans, including Kabuki actors and calligraphists. He expressed his appreciation for spending time with the people of Suntory and learning about their crafts and passions.

Reeves has been open about his love for Japanese culture and how it has influenced his work, including his recent film John Wick: Chapter 4. He mentioned the influence of Japanese anime, filmmaking, and the concept of bushido, the code of the samurai, in the John Wick franchise. The strong Japanese influence resonates with him, particularly the themes of honor and sacrifice.

Overall, the collaboration between Sofia Coppola and Keanu Reeves on this tribute film for The House of Suntory’s 100th anniversary is a special opportunity for both artists and showcases their appreciation for Japanese culture and craftsmanship.