Mr Jimmy

Akio Sakurai is not merely an impersonator of Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page. He is the personification. To a fault.

Akio spent 35 years in Tokyo perfecting Page’s chops and mannerisms. The distinctly Japanese notion of precision and craft means he can not only hit every note of a 20-minute solo, but do it from countless variations of live bootlegs.

Rumours spread, and when Page himself pops up at a show and delivers a rousing ovation, Akio quickly abandons his kimono salesman day job and moves to Los Angeles to live the dream with cover band Led Zepagain. But Los Angeles is not Tokyo. Led Zepagain is not Led Zeppelin. Akio is not Jimmy.

Director Peter Michael Dowd captures Akio’s astounding feats and failures, questioning both art and identity. It’s a fascinating tale of perfectionism that tilts on the precipice of crippling obsession.

“A singular riff on identity, artistry, projection, passion and trying to inspire others to follow an impossible dream of second-hand perfection.” – Rolling Stone