Simu Liu Responds to Kojima’s Praise for Last Breath

In the depths of an oceanic abyss, a harrowing tale of survival unfolds in Last Breath. Directed by Alex Parkinson, this gripping 2025 survival thriller is based on the true story of deep-sea diver Chris Lemons, who finds himself trapped far below the ocean’s surface. Starring Finn Cole as Lemons and featuring a notable cast including Simu Liu, Woody Harrelson, Cliff Curtis, and Mark Bonnar, the film made waves when it premiered in February, garnering generally positive reviews.

Hideo Kojima, the legendary video game designer and director, recently shared his thoughts on Last Breath via social media, igniting excitement among fans and critics alike. In his post, he praised the film for its “unrelenting sense of claustrophobia and oxygen-deprived tension.” Kojima highlighted Liu’s performance, stating that the Shang-Chi star “truly captured what it means to be humanly heroic.” This recognition from Kojima, known for his impactful contributions to the Metal Gear series, adds significant credence to the film’s reception. His social media influence is known to elevate movie profiles, and his endorsement aligns with Last Breath‘s impressive ratings of 79% and 91% on Rotten Tomatoes.

“I watched “LAST BREATH” (2025) on the plane. Based on a true story—a miraculous tale of a saturation diver accident during an undersea pipeline repair (there was a documentary version previously). The film maintains an unrelenting sense of claustrophobia and oxygen-deprived tension throughout. Everyone who risks their life to save a fellow crewmate, without hesitation, is just so cool. I found myself crying again and again. Unknown to the world, there are unsung heroes out there who continue to work in dangerous conditions. Woody Harrelson was great, but it was Simu Liu—no superpowers, no kung fu—who truly captured what it means to be humanly heroic.”

Liu’s heartfelt response to Kojima’s praise revealed his gratitude: “I’m absolutely floored. It’s an incredible honour to be recognized by kojimasama, one of the greatest visionaries the gaming medium has ever known.”

The Impact of Kojima’s Praise

The recognition from Kojima could herald a turning point for Liu’s career. While best known for his role in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Liu’s performance in Last Breath showcases his range as an actor, free from the superhero archetypes he’s often associated with. While the film grossed $24.4 million worldwide, it may not have set box office records, the swell of positive feedback—culminating in Kojima’s acknowledgment—could bolster its performance in home-viewing markets.

Kojima’s films have previously featured Hollywood luminaries, hinting at the possibility of collaboration with Liu in future projects. Given that Kojima’s works often resonate with emotional character arcs in a high-stakes environment, it would be intriguing to see how Liu’s talents could mesh with the visionary’s narrative style. This potential partnership could create a unique synergy that blends the worlds of film and interactive entertainment, further expanding Liu’s influence beyond the Marvel universe.

As audiences continue to explore the depths of Last Breath, it remains clear that this film is not just another thrill ride; it’s a testament to resilience and the human spirit, earning its place in cinematic discussions. And with Hideo Kojima spotlighting it, the film’s legacy may just be beginning.

Source: Simu Liu