"Nise daigakusei" (A False Student, 1960) is not one of Masumura's most polished works, but it is one of his most timely. The film depicts the student movement of the late 1950's and early 60's. During this time, there were huge protests by students, and they also were in constant conflict with the authorities. At times, Masumura's depiction of the student head quarters starts to feel like a tactical war film, but the closest genre that the film resembles is black comedy.
The film is about a young man, who has applied for Tokyo University four times, but failed in the entrance exams every time. Now he has had enough. He can't bring himself to tell his family that he failed once again, so he lies that he was indeed accepted. But this is not enough. He actually goes to the university, and slyly infiltrates the student organization. He is very eager, and wants in on the action. Gradually, the students start to suspect, that he is a spy working for the police. And then the trouble begins.
This film is full of dark comedic touches and also clear life experience. Anyone who has ever studied in a university can vouch, that you can in deed be "a student" without ever studying anything. Then again Masumura paints his tragic protagonist in a comedic way by never having him be quiet in the background, but always wanting to be center of the attention. Under the comedic layer, the film is a brutal tale about an individual going insane because he can't take the pressure. It's a grim societal depiction, with actual psychological merit to the narrative. Then again, as a depiction of the student organization it is a valuable historical document.
As side-characters go, Masumura-regular Wakao Ayako is very good, and looks like she has a migraine throughout the film.
