Plan 75

A slow, bleak, and ultimately decent film, Plan 75 apparently belongs in the science-fiction genre, but it's one of those uncomfortably realistic and plausible sci-fi movies that is far from fun or adventurous. It barely even feels like it takes place in the future at all, following several people in Japan who are all involved with a new government program that encourages elderly people (who exceed the age of 75) to end their lives via euthanasia, apparently because of overpopulation concerns.

Not only is the premise bleak, but the slow pace also ensures this is a hard watch. It kind of makes you sit and feel discomfort at the whole thing, and never really suggests that there's much hope for some kind of upbeat conclusion. It's all very muted and quietly sad. I don't think that makes the film boring on it's own, but there was something lacking to make it hit a little harder or feel a bit more engaging. The slowness and uneasiness was definitely intentional, to a certain extent, but I also can't say the approach grabbed me all the time.

But it's decently made and looks at something that I fear could come true, to some extent. It's dark and sad without being a tearjerker, or having much of an emotional release. It's overall probably one of the hardest types of movies to watch, and while I didn't love it, I respect it.

I really like the premise of this film. Given Japan's problems with an ageing population this was the perfect country for this movie to be set.

I feel though that it was a missed opportunity. This is because there was no real in-depth conversations about why the country needed to introduce Plan 75. Similarly it wasn't shown how the country was benefiting from it.

No one debated the morals and ethics of it either.

I kept waiting for people to discuss the core issues of Plan 75 but it never came. Instead we see people living depressing lives who consider Plan 75 because living has become so hard.

Why not have someone who is doing quite well but shocks their family by choosing Plan 75 because they see it as doing the right thing for the country?

Or show some young people that need medical attention but cannot get it because all the medical resources have been consumed by the elderly and hence why Plan 75 has become so important.

Anyway I really wanted to like this movie but unfortunately it missed the opportunity to delve into the deeper aspects of what Plan 75 would mean.

Plan 75: A future Japan where the elderly are offered voluntary euthanasia to deal withe strain of an ageing population. They'll even throw in free cremation and interment. As the narrative unfolds though we see there are subtle pressures placed on older people, they are still working into their 70s, even at manual outdoor jobs, they lack security of tenure in their homes. They are not made into Soylent Green but even their last moments lack the dignity which was offered in that film. They also face violence, the opening scene a middle- aged man shoots his wheelchair bound parent and then commits suicide. The widespread nature of the threat is subtly alluded to. While senior citizens are seen as disposable, immigrant Filipino workers are used as cheap labour as caregivers. Some deeply personal stories are related as characters challenge roles which seem preordained. It's a plausible scenario as Plan 75 also offers a kind of Anti-Samaritans talkline where lonely old folk may discuss their woes. A disturbing film which ypu will mull over long after the credits have rolled. Directed and co-written by Chie Hayakawa. 8/10.

I enjoyed Plan 75, it's a strong commentary on ageism. Humans are so much more than the benefit or drain they have on a society. The few individuals who took the time to get to know a senior in the film, found this out. Is a society that doesn't take care of its elderly and poor really one worth living in? I personally think assisted suicide should be available for those suffering. At the same time the way the government in the film drove the elderly to death was disgusting. I think the ending gives hope that humanity is not truly lost. We can still wake up and recognize each other's value as humans.

The film disappointingly overlooks the opportunity to delve into the underlying reasons and consequences of the growing ageing population in its failure to address the crucial issue of the increasing demographic challenge faced by Japan - the fertility rate is below the replacement level. This critical concern could have been thoroughly examined within the film's narrative. Understanding the complex factors contributing to Japan's low birth rate is crucial to comprehend the social and economic implications that stem from an ageing population. By delving into the societal pressures, cultural shifts, and economic challenges that influence reproductive decisions, the film could have shed light on a pressing issue contemporary Japan faces. A missed opportunity indeed.

Moreover, exploring the far-reaching repercussions of this demographic shift would have added depth and relevance to the film. The burdensome strain on the healthcare system, pension funds, and social welfare programs are all real-world consequences of a rapidly ageing society. The film had the potential to address this social fallout and project a cautionary tale for real-world Japan, underscoring the urgency for policies and initiatives to tackle the impending crisis.

Intertwining these themes within the film's narrative, could have prompted viewers to contemplate the intricate relationship between demographics, societal dynamics, and the future well-being of a nation. Unfortunately, the filmmakers overlooked these critical aspects. The film's failure to address the underlying reasons and consequences of Japan's ageing population leaves a void in its narrative. By delving into the causes of Japan's low fertility rate and exploring the resulting social fallout, the film could have offered valuable insights and stimulated meaningful discussions. Regrettably, it falls short of fulfilling its potential and leaves audiences craving a more thought-provoking and socially aware exploration of this pressing issue.