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A peaceful world?

Hakuchi (白痴, Japanese, The Idiot; 1951)
Director: Akira Kurosawa

It is said that the original print of the movie of 265 minutes long is in the possession of some rich old man's collection and even Kurosawa's son had not laid eyes on. The abridged version is 165 minutes long and adapted from Fyodor Dostoyevsky's story of the same name. Dostoyesky's version is supposed to parallel the controversial saga between Jesus Christ and the lady desired by many, Mary Magdalene. In the course of the film, I came to know about the story of 'Lady of Camellias' by Alexander Dumas. 

No, no, it is not the story of a village idiot who gets pushed around only to prove his mettle at the end! It is a story of symbolism to say that life is more peaceful if our senses are numbed or its sensitivity is reduced by disease or medication, at least that what I gathered. Life would be a much peaceful place if our inner desires are suppressed.
Kameda returns to Hokkaido after being discharged from his army post in Okinawa. He was treated for epilepsy and appears to be apathetic to people. He is, however, forever obliging to people's need and going the extra mile to please them. He meets a fellow passenger on the train, Akama, and they build a friendship. 

In keeping with the Dostoyesky's story, Kurosawa set his film in icy cold Hokkaido in heights of winter. In the course of the film, we are introduced to more characters. We notice that Akama's mother, probably deaf or maybe demented, is quite contented with life and things around here even though her son is a rascal and is ridiculing her. 
A family friend's daughter, Akayo, takes a fancy on Kameda. The problem is both Akama and Kameda fall for Taeko Nasu, a lady of questionable reputation. To complicate matters, Kameda also feels for Akayo. He, being branded 'The Idiot', is not assertive and does not want to hurt anybody's feelings. 

The final showdown of all four in the climax is the testimony of the greatness of the director's skill in grabbing our undivided attention. 
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