Watch The Chrysanthemum and the Guillotine

The Chrysanthemum and the Guillotine is a historically-charged action drama film directed by Takahisa Zeze, which premiered in 2018. Set against the backdrop of Japan's tumultuous revolutionary period - the interwar years of the 1920s and 30s - the movie follows the story of a ragtag ensemble of anarchists and proletarian poets who band together against the oppressive government and the imperialist powers that have colonized Japan.

The movie's central protagonist is a young, idealistic, and charismatic anarchist named Yujiro (played by Masahiro Higashide), who dreams of a world free from oppression and tyranny. With the help of his fellow comrades, he establishes a theatre troupe called "The Guillotine Club," which uses art and performance to convey revolutionary messages to the masses. Alongside him is a former samurai warrior, Aoki (played by Shun Sugata), who has turned his back on his feudal past to join the revolutionary cause.

As the story unfolds, tensions between the anarchists and imperialist forces escalate, leading to an all-out battle for control of Japan's fate. Amidst the violence and chaos, Yujiro and Aoki must come to terms with their own personal demons and desires, as they lead their comrades into battle with swords, bombs, and poetry. Along the way, they also encounter new comrades and enemies, including a veteran anarchist named Sakae Osugi (played by Masatoshi Nagase), whose legendary romantic affairs and political teachings have become a source of inspiration for the Guillotine Club.

The Chrysanthemum and the Guillotine is not just an action-packed drama but also a poignant exploration of Japan's struggle for modernity and liberation during an era of immense change. The movie delves deep into the tensions between Japan's traditional cultural values and the outside pressures to adopt Western-style governance and capitalism. It also depicts the complex relationships between various factions of the Japanese left-wing, which were fighting for different visions of social justice and political power.

Overall, The Chrysanthemum and the Guillotine is a visually stunning and emotionally compelling movie that brings to life the story of Japan's revolutionary period. The movie is notable for its brilliant cinematography, showcasing Japan's natural beauty alongside its urban landscapes. The acting is also top-notch, with all the main characters delivering powerful performances that convey their unique struggles and motivations. The movie's score is equally impressive, featuring a mix of traditional Japanese music, punk rock, and experimental noise.

In conclusion, The Chrysanthemum and the Guillotine is a must-see movie for anyone interested in Japanese history, politics, and culture, or for anyone who simply enjoys a thrilling action-packed drama filled with complex characters and emotional depth. Its message of hope, freedom, and solidarity resonates well beyond its specific historical context, making it a relevant and powerful work for our times.

The Chrysanthemum and the Guillotine is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 3 hours and 9 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.