Plan 75 (2022) [Film Review]

Plan 75; or, The Death of Society
     It’s something I should think about doing for my grandchildren.
Plan 75 is one of those films that I really wanted to watch as soon as the official trailer dropped online. However, I was afraid that I won’t have the ability to do so because Chie Hayakawa’s movie is kind of a low-profile production that started to slowly gain traction through film festivals. Thankfully, I watched Plan 75 on the big screen in my own country because a local distributor picked up the rights for the film.

Release Info

Directed by: Chie Hayakawa Starring: Chieko Baisho, Hayato Isomura, Stefanie Arianne

Language: Japanese Original Title: PLAN 75 Runtime: 113 min

Synopsis
In view of the surplus of the elderly population, which has a negative influence on the economy of Japan, the government implemented a special bill called “Plan 75”. It enables voluntary suicide for citizens aged 75 and over. We follow the development of the plan through the perspectives of three people: Mishi Kakutani (Chieko Baisho), an elderly hotel worker who loses her job; Himoru Okabe (Hayato Isomura), an administrative worker who promotes the plan; and Maria (Stefanie Arianne), a staff member at a facility where the suicides are carried out.

The Gift of Life
Well, if you suffer from Thanatophobia or you can’t stand the topic of death, then Plan 75 is not a movie for you. This is not to say, however, that the movie is some kind of a dark thriller or horror. On the contrary, the power of Plan 75 stems from a mundane approach to the subject matter. It is not an apocalypse, not a war against humanity. The Japanese society accepts the outrageous political plan because herd mentality always wins against individual thinking. In fact, the individual has to conform and sacrifice himself or herself for the good of the group.

The more I think about the film, the more I find it disturbing. Chie Hayakawa insightfully examines the aforementioned dilemma through the main characters of the unfolding drama. The director shows that not only the elderly citizens are the victims of the situation, but also the younger generations who are taught fake empathy when interacting with prospective participants of Plan 75.

With regard to performances, allow me to say that being able to see the legendary Cheiko Baisho on the big screen, in a near-empty theatre room, was a profound experience for me. She really carried the film with her performance and I can’t imagine any other classic Japanese actress in the role of a woman who does not give up on hope. Hayato Isomura and Stefanie Arianne really shine in the supporting roles and the subplots of their characters really complement the main message of the film. Yuumi Kawai also appears as Yoko, a phone guide of Baisho’s character, but her screen time is limited to barely two scenes.

Recommendations
If you have the ability to watch the film legally where you live, then I encourage you to check out Plan 75. It was distributed in Poland by Aurora Films. I sincerely hope that the film will also receive a release on physical media outside of Japan.Overall score: 8/10

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Mada Kekkon Dekinai Otoko (2019) [Drama Review]

Mada Kekkon Dekinai Otoko; or, The Man Who Still Can’t Get Married

     Being alone is the best!
I admit that it took me quite a while to get round to reviewing this drama, but Mada Kekkon Dekinai Otoko is one of the few shows for which I impatiently waited since the very announcement. This is actually a follow up to Kekkon Dekinai Otoko drama from 2006, one of my fave J-dramas of all time. Everything was so perfect in the first season: the script, the humour, the characters, and Hiroshi Abe with his priceless expressions. Does the second season live up to the grandeur of its predecessor?

Release Info

Created by: Masaya Ozaki Starring: Hiroshi Abe, Yoh Yoshida, Izumi Inamori, Mai Fukagawa

Language: Japanese Original Title: まだ結婚できない男 No. of eps.: 10

Synopsis
Shinsuke Kuwano (Hiroshi Abe) still lives a single lifestyle after his relationship with a doctor fell apart. Even stronger than ever, Kuwano opposes the institution of marriage and believes that (thanks to developments in medicine) people can live up to 100 years of age in pleasurable loneliness. However, there is a despicable critic of Kuwano’s architectural designs. The anonymous assaulter runs a blog which drives Kuwano crazy. He resorts to get legal assistance. In the course of this new adventure, Kuwano will meet such vibrant personalities as Madoka (Yoh Yoshida), a lawyer; Yukie (Izumi Inamori), a café owner; and Sakii (Mai Fukagawa), an actress. Will the most stubborn and eccentric bachelor in the world finally warm up to the idea of marriage?

13 Years Later
First of all, I was really afraid that the second season may not only turn out weak but also tarnish the legacy of the original drama. Thankfully, the source material was treated with utmost respect. Hiroshi Abe totally rocks as Kuwano-san and he is the guiding light of this show! Although some of the characters from the first season do not return (where’s my Reiko Takashima!), there are at least small Easter Eggs which remind the viewers about Kuwano’s past shenanigans. Now, he has to learn how to handle not only his mommy (brilliant Mitsuko Kusabue), not only his niece, not only his co-workers, but also three women. The cast of this drama is just excellent.

With regard to the episodes, I could not take my eyes off them. I binged the whole drama within a week. Each episode is just a wild adventure into which Kuwano involuntarily gets himself entangled. I think my favorite story is the episode in which Kuwano goes on an excursion and accidentally encounters Madoka, Yukie, and Saki who wish to visit the local temple. The way he shouts in English: “Have a nice day!” to gaijin tourists cracks me up so much!

Nevertheless, there is a purpose to this whole insanity. Japan still suffers from negative natural growth and both seasons of Kekkon Dekinai Otoko are meant to communicate that single lifestyle is not all about rainbows and butterflies. Marriage is not that scary, but (as Madoka explains) one has to be patient and find the right person. Perhaps that’s what I like about this drama the most, Kuwano-san may be an intelligent eccentric suffering from OCD, but there’s a match even for him. The final episode was so touching (no spoilers)! In a way, Mada Kekkon Dekinai Otoko was even more similar to an old comedy with Jack Nicholson, As Good As it Gets (1997), than the first season.

In terms of trivia, it should be noted that the drama was accompanied by a mini-series called Chain Story, a set of 10 vignettes providing short stories about the characters. There was also a special episode which was basically a look at behind the scenes: interviews with the cast and crew, small talk with bystanders about the drama, and a preview of Kuwano-san apartment built in studio conditions.

Recommendations
Coming back to my question posed in the introduction of this review. Yes, Mada Kekkon Dekinai Otoko is a magnificent continuation and I recommend it to any fan of Kuwano-san. I only wish I had more time to spend with these wonderful characters. Well, as they say, all the good things must come to an end. To sum up, 20 episodes about a guy who can’t get married are perfect.
Overall score: 10/10

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