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Yasukuni

Play trailer Yasukuni Released Aug 12, 2009 2h 3m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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88% Tomatometer 8 Reviews 52% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
Controversy surrounds Japanese officials as they honor the Yasukuni shrine.

Critics Reviews

View All (8) Critics Reviews
Keith Uhlich Time Out A trying yet worthwhile sit, not only for the information it relates, but for the sensations it elicits. Rated: 4/5 Nov 17, 2011 Full Review V.A. Musetto New York Post The film is visually compelling, but suffers because [director] Li fails to put events into context, a fact likely to confuse viewers not versed in Japanese history. Rated: 2.5/4 Aug 14, 2009 Full Review A.O. Scott New York Times Yasukuni addresses a passionately contested snarl of issues with a calm, nuanced ethical curiosity. Rated: 3.5/5 Aug 12, 2009 Full Review Ard Vijn ScreenAnarchy It gets more interesting as it proceeds with ever more colorful people being interviewed, so perseverance is rewarded. Jan 17, 2020 Full Review Chris Cabin Filmcritic.com It's impossible to watch Ying's film and not think of our own monuments towards heroism, which also come at the expense of blood Rated: 4/5 Aug 11, 2009 Full Review Maria Garcia Film Journal International A fascinating portrait of the dark side of Japanese society, Ying Li's film is not so much about Japan's shrine to its war dead as it is an indictment of Japan's wartime aggression. Aug 11, 2009 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (7) audience reviews
Audience Member Engaging on the political issues of praying at the Yasukuni Shrine, of enshrining, of the state and the individual, of nationalism. But simultaneously weak at a concentrated delivery - as well as weak pacing. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/03/23 Full Review Audience Member watched in Japan. Tourne camera a l'epaule, avec un mauvais micro, ce documentaire sur le tristement trop celebre temple Yasukuni, donne l'ampleur du probleme et du travail d'information et d'education qui reste a faire. Differents points de vue sont donnes, un film qui donne envie que l'Histoire des peuples continue toujours a occuper enrichir nos esprits. l Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/07/23 Full Review Audience Member Depressing but informative. It's difficult to rate this documentary as a normal film, but I suppose it held my interest well enough. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/24/23 Full Review Audience Member very controversial. It made me ashamed to be Japanese. shikata ga nai. that's how i felt. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/01/23 Full Review Audience Member No chinese have spoken one word in the film telling you what is right and wrong, but you can feel the perception of Yasukuni of different types of people. It is a good communication mean for people who do not understand why the Shrine brought so many argues and the people who don't understand why the people worship there. Although some shots are not essentials. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/05/23 Full Review Audience Member watched it during the Hong Kong International Film Festival. a documentary on the ever so controversial Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo, a shrine which housed those who died in the war, including notably some of the war criminals. The film was not taking sides, and was giving an account on events, views of those who visit the shrine in post war Japan today. the film, without asking a single question, has the audience rethink abt beliefs, values, state, war, acceptance of history. Not only Asians and Japanese should watch it, but everyone who has a chance should watch it. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/12/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Yasukuni

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis Controversy surrounds Japanese officials as they honor the Yasukuni shrine.
Director
Ying Li
Producer
Ying Li
Screenwriter
Ying Li
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
Chinese
Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 12, 2009, Original
Runtime
2h 3m