redrobinfilmreviews

Pitfall
A brilliant and beautiful film, visually and thematically, by Techigahara Hiroshi about miners in Japan. Hard to believe it was his first film. Starts his incredibly productive cinematic collaboration with Abe Kobo. Couldn’t take my eyes off it. Excellent video essay in the Criterion Collection DVD, as well. Very good. ***

Japan’s Longest Day
Interesting historical drama about the 24 hours between the time emperor Hirohito decided that the war must end and the radio address he made telling the Japanese people. A little too patriotic, but very well done. Well worth it, even though I already knew the history.**