Jitsuroku Rengô Sekigun: Asama Sansô e no Michi
2007 / 190m - Japan
Crime, Drama
2.5*/5.0*
United Red Army poster

Watches

January 31, 2015

2.5*/5.0*

Vintage Wakamatsu. During his prime days, he made many movies about the revolutionaries, this 3-hour-long drama feels like Wakamatsu coming to terms with that period one last time. The project might've been a bit too personal (i.e. it could've used some editing), but people who know what Wakamatsu is about will recognize this as a pivotal work in his oeuvre.

After the idealism of the 60, the reality sets back in during the early 70s. Not everyone is willing to let their revolutionary ideals go, and so a small group of hardened idealists remains, fighting the regime. Five radical students flee to the Asano mountain and ready themselves for a tough battle with the police.

The documentary-like approach isn't the most successful as the combination with the traditional drama feels a tad awkward. The runtime is also a bit of an issue, with the film starting to lag after the first hour. I'm happy for Wakamatsu that he was able to make this film, but it could've used some polish.