'' We Are X '' is a 2016 documentary film about the Japanese heavy metal band X Japan and its co-founder , drummer , pianist and leader Yoshiki . Directed by Stephen Kijak , it premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival on January 23 . The film covers the history of the band , their influence on Japanese music and society , the band 's break up in 1997 and reunion in 2007 , and their attempts to achieve success overseas . It also covers Yoshiki 's childhood with the X Japan 's vocalist Toshi , the suicide of Yoshiki 's father when Yoshiki was ten years old , the deaths of two members of the band ( guitarist hide and former bassist Taiji ) , and Yoshiki 's various health problems
2016 Sundance Film Festival
2016 Sundance Film Festival
We Are X