Fighting Elegy (1966)

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Director: Seijun Suzuki

Writers: Kaneto Shindo, Mitsutoshi Ishigami (uncredited), from a novel by Takashi Suzuki

Stars: Hideki Takahashi, Junko Asano, Yusuke Kawazu, Chikako Miyagi, Takeshi Kato, Isao Tamagawa, Jun Hamamura, Asao Sano



Director Seijun Suzuki has crafted a satire of the ultra-masculine, nationalistic mentality that made Japan's entry into WWII possible.

 


Kiroku Nanbu (Hideki Takahashi), a city boy transplanted to the countryside, devotes himself to attaining the ideal pinnacle of manliness, which requires him to forsake relations with women. 



He struggles with his tender feelings for Michiko (Junko Asano), a pure-hearted Catholic girl who is attracted to him as well.

 


Sharply critical of the militaristic mindset, this film is a very entertaining blend of absurdity and realism.






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