The Emperor’s Naked Army Marches On

March 29, 2014
past event image
Film past event

Introduction by Wendy Keys, former Executive Producer of Programming, the Film Society of Lincoln Center.

Donald Richie on The Emperor’s Naked Army Marches On:
"The film is fascinating because the man is a champion for right and he is, at the same time, so given to violence that our own moral position is questioned, as viewers. Most shocking to modern sensibilities is the revelation for the reasons for execution. Starving higher officers were executing privates and other low ranks on trumped up charges in order that they could be served at table. The Emperor’s Naked Army Marches On is extremely moving and in the end deeply upsetting. The picture is beautifully made, a truly controlled example of honest documentary at its best." (Excerpted from Richie’s notes for the San Francisco International Film Festival.)

Kazuo Hara (1945- ), known for his iconoclastic documentaries, presents a controversial film revealing deeply disturbing aspects of Japanese history and society. The director accompanies WWII veteran Kenzo Okuzaki on his single-minded crusade to reveal secrets that have been hidden for decades. Okuzaki’s target is the complacent attitude of the postwar Japanese and, ultimately, Emperor Hirohito’s responsibilities for war crimes.

1987, 122 min., 16mm, color, in Japanese with English subtitles. Directed by Kazuo Hara.

Part of Richie’s Electric Eight: A Tribute to Donald Richie (1924-2013), Part 2


TICKETS

$12/$9 Japan Society members, seniors and students

  • Saturday, March 29, 2014
  • 3:00 pm