Death By Hanging

Nagisa Oshima's early films are more interesting to read about than to watch. They have lots of revolutionary ideas and much social criticism. But most of them feel like plays-there is too much exposition in them, too much preaching perhaps. They are less than cinematic, and they are an important response to the pure entertainment value of other films that were being produced at the time. Death By Hanging (1968) is a perfect example. It is a treaty on race, nationalism, identity, and the validity of the death penalty. However, it is two hours that takes place largely in a small room. There are some great performances and some interesting ideas are investigated, but it was less than engaging. Perhaps, better suited for a play. I will continue to see the films of Oshima, but I don't think he really came into prime until he was making films outside Japan with backing from Europeans, in films like Realm of the Senses, Empire of Passions, and Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence.