Masterpiece.
Kaneto Shindo is an incredible director. The strong composition, attention to detail and meticulous work I have seen at Tarkovsky. He is a master.
In this movie, Shindo question us with 'What should we doing with elder, and as an elder what should we do?'
Old man at the end of his days dealing with senility, sphincter problems and collapses. He is living with his bipolar daughter also has some retardation. He try to find a way to go in peace. He does not know what to do with himself and daughter. There is cultural/traditional parameters needs to be calculated but also modern life bring more parameters and make question even harder to answer. Shindo use black and white sections (another story in the story- genius) to show what were the older generations doing in order how to deal with elder problem.
He gave a lot of powerful message to audience ' I only read sport section on newspaper, because that is the only truth you can read, the rest is just lie..!'
or 'life is the greatest dream' and so on..
Superb movie from superb director.
Note: I personally was scare and confused about my old age, with this movie I little bit relax and accept the Shinto (the religion/ director) approach my own elder dilemma. It is definitely recommended. 10/10.
