Thoughts on 'Election and Depression'
Second viewing of 'Election and Depression'.
I was able to look at the details more calmly than the first time,
and it struck a chord with me even more deeply than before.
While enjoying the dialogue and camera angles, I savored the excellent 'pauses'.
In an era of over-explanation, this is a film where the pauses speak volumes.
I believe that every good film must have 'good pauses'.
My wife, who went with me, was impressed by the Doctor's words and drive,
but she wrapped up her thoughts by saying, 'The director was cute'.
A new Aoyagi fan is born right here!
Needless to say, we will be watching 'Tokyo Bicycle Bushi' soon.
And now, my own thoughts.
The Doctor says he is sorry for leaving his mission half-finished,
but I felt that he left a significant mark as a politician.
And even now, he continues to be a politician, a comedian, and a writer.
In my eyes, I can still see the parliamentary badge on the Doctor's chest.
Just because someone is in the Diet doesn't mean they are a politician.
I think there are plenty of incumbent lawmakers in the Diet
who wear the badge without any philosophy, courage, or love.
Compared to such lawmakers, isn't Suidobashi Hakase,
who even after resigning, continues to empathize
and tries to stand by people's hearts, still a fine politician in the true sense of the word...?
That is what I thought after watching this film.
And I felt the same about Director Aoyagi.
Capturing a few pages of a human life as Suidobashi Hakase—from the start of this election, through depression, and the recovery from it—
and recording various historical moments, including the scene of the attack on former Prime Minister Abe,
I thought Director Aoyagi's achievement as a documentary filmmaker was wonderful.
Suidobashi Hakase and Director Taku Aoyagi.
And the Doctor's wife, Mr. Mimata, Mr. Harada Senmonka, and his disciples.
The people of Reiwa Shinsengumi, starting with Taro Yamamoto.
A story of one summer
involving the people who were around the two of them.
What one feels after watching this film will vary from person to person,
and I think that is how it should be.
Regardless, for me, this film has become a special one etched into the pages of my life.
And I am deeply grateful for the kindness of so many people.
