Organizer: Canada Japan Society
Cost: $8 for non-members
Pre-event estimate: 3 out of 5
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
This is not your typical Hollywood movie on inmates: There is no inmate fighting, no escape planning or conspiracy. It is more like reading Kazuichi Hanawa's diary as he reflects upon the three years he serves for weapon possession. Life in a Japanese prison is highly organized! Every activity (including the number of steps they are allowed to take from their cell to the hallway) and every minute of the day are meticulously planned. Regulations of what are allowed (one coke and one chocolate treats during movie night) and what are not allowed (completing someone else's puzzle) are strictly reinforced. There are also procedures for what seems to me to be the most insignificant act (asking for permission to pick up an eraser that falls out of the assigned path). It is hilarious, yet incredibly sad as the movie goes on, to see Hanawa and other inmates doing everything perfectly for a praise by the guards, and reminiscing on the many different kinds of treats they had at last New Year's celebration. This movie is a comedy with a message--Even though life is much easier if you stay on the assigned path, having the freedom to explore and to choose what you really want to do is definitely priceless. I can't wait to see the last 10 minutes of the movie! (The fire alarm went off near the end of the movie!! argh!)
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2 comments:
I see that you have been watching many Japanese movies. How about Chinese movies? Or Indian movies???
I haven't watched a movie from HK or Taiwan for a while. I watched "Lust, Caution" in October and I really like it.
I also watched Johda Akbar, an Indian movie, in February. It was beautifully filmed. I loved the vibrant colours and the music. I didn't write a blog on it because I didn't feel I know enough of the history to make some good comments.
Please email me if you know of any good movies coming up (Indian, Chinese...)
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