Movie spotlight
The Upthrown Stone
An aspiring film student is denied a scholarship to the state-funded university when his father is thrown in jail. The man had stopped a train in order to facilitate the union between two old friends. The son then takes a job as a land surveyor and meets a Greek man who works towards the collective benefits of the peasants. The man is killed in a peasant uprising prompted by a bureaucratic boondoggle. The surveyor looks after the man's widow as his emerging political and social awareness leads him take a stand against government injustice. Another incident, in which gypsies are rounded up by state hygiene workers, further galvanizes the man's beliefs. He photographs the incident, and his work allows him to be accepted into the school from which he was previously denied admission.
Insights
Plot Summary
During World War II, a disillusioned Japanese soldier grapples with the moral ambiguities and brutal realities of combat. He witnesses the horrors of war firsthand, which profoundly impacts his perception of duty, honor, and humanity. The film explores his internal struggle as he confronts the devastating consequences of conflict on himself and those around him.
Critical Reception
The Upthrown Stone received mixed reviews upon its release. While some critics praised its unflinching portrayal of the psychological toll of war and the performances of its lead actors, others found its narrative pacing to be slow and its themes somewhat heavy-handed. It is considered a lesser-known work from the period but holds significance for its exploration of a soldier's internal conflict.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its somber atmosphere and a compelling lead performance.
Criticized for a deliberate pace that may not appeal to all viewers.
Noted for its honest, albeit grim, depiction of wartime trauma.
Google audience: Audience reception for 'The Upthrown Stone' is limited due to its niche status, with available comments often highlighting its serious tone and dramatic weight. Some viewers appreciate its mature handling of war's psychological impact, while others find it too bleak or emotionally challenging.
Fun Fact
Toshirō Mifune, a legendary figure in Japanese cinema, took on a supporting role in 'The Upthrown Stone,' a departure from his more frequent leading man roles.
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