United Red Army, explores the pitfalls of communism
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One of the best pieces of art I’ve ever witnessed, this film articulates the pitfalls of communism and in the process answers one of my own longstanding questions: ‘What happens when a solid alternative political theory is put in to practice in a capitalist society?’ It’s a reconstruction of the history of the United Red Army faction, which had its roots in the 60s when Japanese students protested America using Japan as a staging base for its war in Vietnam.
Director Koji Wakamatsu is faithful both to the facts and those involved, portraying extremist students not as monsters or lunatics, but reasonable and idealistic students willing to die for their beliefs. The different murders, hijackings, robberies and the final siege are all faithfully reproduced, and while three hours long, seldom have I ever been so gripped or deeply affected by any film, either fact or fiction.
Tagged: Japan, Koji Wakamatsu, United Red Army
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YOU'RE SAYING (2)
Francis said | 3 December, 2009
likewise. just can’t get the f***ing subtitles to sync
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Mark W said | 26 November, 2009
Wow. Tough to think of higher critical praise. You certainly sold me a ticket… I remember feeling a similar way when I emerged from a screening of Come & See… but seldom since then…