Movie spotlight
The Rebirth of Buddha
17 year-old Sayako Amanokawa aspires to become a journalist, just like Kanemoto, an elite newspaper writer she looks up to. But Kanemoto, shamed from an erroneous report about a corruption scandal, jumps in front of a train and commits suicide. Since that incident, Sayako suddenly becomes able to see spirits and almost loses her life. However, from that near-fatal incident she experiences something extraordinary. The journalist inside her stirred, she embarks to find out about the truth. But the forces that stand in her way turn out to be much formidable than she ever imagined. [from AnimeNewsNetwork]
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Plot Summary
This documentary delves into the complex and disturbing world of the Aum Shinrikyo cult, focusing on its charismatic leader, Shoko Asahara. It explores the group's origins, its radical ideology, and the events that led to its notoriety, including the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin attack. The film provides a chilling look into the psychology of cults and the profound impact they can have on their followers and society.
Critical Reception
The documentary received critical acclaim for its unflinching portrayal of the Aum Shinrikyo cult and its leader. Critics lauded Tatsuya Mori's immersive and unsettling approach, which effectively conveys the disturbing nature of the group's ideology and actions. The film is often cited as a powerful examination of religious extremism and the manipulation of belief.
What Reviewers Say
A deeply unsettling and thought-provoking look into a dangerous cult.
Mori's documentary is a masterclass in observational filmmaking, offering a chilling perspective on religious fanaticism.
The film succeeds in its mission to explore the dark side of faith and unquestioning devotion.
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Fun Fact
Director Tatsuya Mori previously directed the acclaimed documentary 'A Forest of Great Trees' (1993), which also explored themes related to the Aum Shinrikyo cult, giving him extensive experience and insight into the subject matter.
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