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Caterpillar is a Japanese movie from 2010 that tells the story of a soldier's return home after World War II. The movie is directed by Kōji Wakamatsu and is based on a novel by Edogawa Rampo. The story is set in a rural Japanese village in 1940s, during the war with China. Private Tadashi Katō (Shima Ohnishi) returns home with severe injuries, losing his arms and legs, and is celebrated as a war hero by the villagers. His wife, Shigeko (Shinobu Terajima), is left to take care of him and the family, as her husband is unable to do anything by himself.

As the film progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that Tadashi's "heroism" is more propaganda than reality. The villagers praise him for his bravery, but it soon becomes clear that he had in fact turned to rape and mass murder of Chinese women.

The movie is a powerful exploration of the aftermath of war, the difficulties of returning home after being extremely injured in battle, and the complexities of human nature. The characters are nuanced and realistic, and the acting, especially by Shinobu Terajima, is excellent.

One of the most compelling aspects of the movie is the portrayal of Tadashi and Shigeko's relationship. Shigeko is initially horrified by her husband's condition and the fact that he is essentially a "vegetable." However, as she learns more about his actions in the war, her feelings become even more complicated. She is torn between her duty to take care of her husband and her disgust for what he has done.

The movie also touches on themes of masculinity and the expectations of Japanese society during the war. Tadashi is hailed as a hero for his violent actions, while Shigeko is expected to serve her husband without question. The movie portrays the damaging effects of these societal pressures on the individual.

Caterpillar is a challenging movie, as it deals with difficult subject matter and portrays complex characters. However, it is also an extremely rewarding film, as it delves into the nuances of human nature and the effects of war on individuals and society. The cinematography is stunning, and the score is haunting and evocative.

Overall, Caterpillar is a must-see movie for anyone interested in Japanese cinema, war movies, or character studies. It is a powerful and moving film that will stay with viewers long after it's over.

Caterpillar is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 75.