The Cherry Bushido

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Bill Y 03/15/2022 A thought-provoking movie. This low budget Japanese film, with its chintzy special effects, raises profound issues of patriotism and nationalism while exploring the rich cultural heritage of Japanese society. As the movie opens, pacifist, materialist modern day Japan faces a rising militaristic threat from a nearby fictional belligerent nation. When that country launches a missile that lands in the waters just of the coast of this Island nation, Japan's politicians respond to this provocation with mealy mouthed denunciations while pursuing policies that avoid confrontation. A partisan media praise these tactics, ignoring or silencing voices that want a more aggressive defense. (The entertaining anime series, Code Geass, covers similar territory - freedom fighters for the defeated nation of future-Japan wrestle with conflicting moral principles and democratic values as they seek peace with its despotic, hegemonic conquerors.) Within this framework, four martial arts students studying under the tutelage of a conservative leader train physically and spiritually to protect Japan. When one student receives a vision of a future apocalypse (an errant, nuclear-tipped missile hits the homeland), the race is on to defeat the demon in the spiritual who is guiding Japan's enemies; while rousing the public and government officials to recognize the nuclear threat and confront its militaristic neighbor. Along the way, our heroes must decide how best to promote Japan's historic traditions and honor the sacrifice of fallen soldiers who lost their lives in a discredited war. Unlike so many of Hollywood's tent-pole movies, this film will have you reflecting on existential issues long after the credits role. See more Read all reviews

The Cherry Bushido

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