Watch Ecstasy of the Angels

Ecstasy of the Angels is a surreal Japanese movie from the early 1970s, directed by Koji Wakamatsu, who was known for his avant-garde approach to cinema. The film is a strange, unsettling exploration of political violence and societal collapse, set in a dystopian future that seems to be on the brink of collapse. The story is centered around a group of revolutionaries who have taken up arms against a corrupt government that seems determined to crush any dissent with brutal force. The rebels are led by a charismatic young man named Kato, played by Ken Yoshizawa, who is determined to see his vision of a new, more just society realized.

The movie is set in a series of strange, dreamlike landscapes, ranging from abandoned warehouses to crowded city streets to surreal, otherworldly landscapes that seem to exist outside of time and space. The overall effect is one of a disjointed, unsettling fever dream, as the characters navigate a world that seems to be slowly falling apart around them.

Despite the film's surrealism, the themes it explores are incredibly relevant to today's world. The rebels' fight against a corrupt, oppressive government can be seen as a metaphor for the struggles of marginalized communities around the world, who are fighting against systems that prioritize profit and power over the needs of the people.

What makes Ecstasy of the Angels so powerful is its unflinching exploration of violence and its consequences. The rebels are shown engaging in acts of terrorism and guerrilla warfare, and their struggle is not romanticized or painted as an easy path to victory. Instead, the film shows the toll that this kind of political violence takes on both the individual and the collective psyche.

One of the most striking elements of the film is its use of music. The movie features a hypnotic, repetitive score that is both unsettling and strangely beautiful. The music seems to seep into the viewer's subconscious, heightening the dreamlike quality of the visuals and creating an otherworldly, almost mystical atmosphere.

The performances in the film are excellent, particularly Ken Yoshizawa as Kato, who brings a nuanced, complex portrayal to the role. He manages to convey both the revolutionary's charisma and his desperation, showing the toll that leadership takes on someone who is determined to see a better world but is forced to make difficult decisions in order to achieve that goal.

The supporting cast is also strong, particularly Rie Yokoyama and Yuki Aresa, who play two of the rebels fighting alongside Kato. They bring a fierce determination to their roles, showing that the women in the group are just as committed to the cause as their male counterparts.

Overall, Ecstasy of the Angels is a powerful, thought-provoking film that explores complex themes in a truly unique way. Its surreal visuals, hypnotic score, and powerful performances combine to create a movie that is both unsettling and unforgettable. For those interested in avant-garde cinema or political thrillers, this film is an absolute must-see.

Ecstasy of the Angels is a 1972 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.