Evening Primrose
Evening Primrose

Movie spotlight

Evening Primrose

1974
Movie
96 min
Japanese

The Taisho era was a time of turbulence in Japan. From new marks of modernity to full-blown riots, a sense of revolution filled the air. The Dam Dam Group is a small anarchist organization lead by Daijiro, a silver tongued "Benshi", a performer who provides narratives for silent films, playing multiple roles. In other words, he was a master at the art of deception, a handy talent when it came to 'doing jobs' for his group. His revolutionary ideals attracted many to his squadron, but among them was a young girl who was oblivious to his group's activities. Her name was Shino.

Insights

IMDb6.0/10
Director: Carl ColbyGenres: Documentary

Plot Summary

This documentary offers a glimpse into the life and operations of the CIA during the Cold War era. It features interviews with then-Director William Colby and other intelligence professionals, discussing the agency's role, methods, and challenges. The film aims to demystify the CIA and its place within American foreign policy. It covers aspects of espionage, covert operations, and the broader geopolitical landscape of the time.

Critical Reception

As a documentary produced during a period of public scrutiny for intelligence agencies, 'Evening Primrose' was viewed as an attempt to provide a more transparent, albeit controlled, look at the CIA's functions. Critics and audiences often noted its informative nature, though some questioned the extent of its candor, given its direct association with the agency's leadership. It is considered a historical artifact offering a rare perspective from within the CIA during a significant historical period.

What Reviewers Say

  • Provides a rare, insider's look at CIA operations during the Cold War.

  • Offers valuable historical context regarding the agency's role and methods.

  • Viewed as informative but potentially guarded due to its direct CIA involvement.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce, but those available often highlight its historical significance and the unique perspective it offers on the CIA. Some viewers found it informative, while others expressed skepticism about the level of transparency.

Fun Fact

The documentary features an early appearance by future President George H.W. Bush, who was Director of Central Intelligence at the time of the film's release.

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