1,652 words
Interwar Imperial Japan was rife with a phenomenon known as gekokujo. Gekokujo was a form of insurrection unique to the Japanese which was sparked by the ultranationalist feelings of members, often quite young, of the Imperial officer corps. What is fascinating about these idealistic young men is their passion, not to overthrow, but to strengthen the state and the national essence, what they referred to as kokutai. (more…)
1,867 words
David Lean’s The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) is not just a great film, it is a nearly perfect one. Even better, it was recognized as such from the start by virtually everyone. The critics lionized it and continue to include it on their “best” lists. The movie business showered it with prizes. Bridge won seven Oscars, including best picture and best director. Audiences made it the biggest film of 1957 and a perennial favorite ever since. (more…)