Recently seen movies #46

Zegen (Japan, 1987) – 3,5/5

A nationalistic adventurer tries to save Japan’s economy by running a brothel ring in China in Shohei Imamura’s early 20th century set satire. Although still not short (125 min) this time the director has managed to drop all unnecessary scenes from the movie. The film remains interesting and funny – although not in a laugh out loud kind of way – from start to finish. Ken Ogata’s performance as a man who never quite realizes ridiculousness of his own ideology is excellent.