IDFA 1990
Black Emperor
Yanagimachi Mitsuo
Japan
1976
91 min
n.a.
'Black Emperor' is the name of a group of motorcyclists in Tokyo. The group bases its image on the Hell's Angels, but goes further in using Nazi symbols and in demonstrating total subjection of its members to their leader.
Black Emperor's members are often kids that have been kicked out of school and cannot sustain a single day of work. Their dissatisfaction and aggression are expressed in the group that functions according to fascist principles.
The documentary attempts to sketch a picture, from the inside, of the world these youngsters live in. Mitsuo has filmed their rites, their habits, and their intimidations toward other groups. Furthermore, he shows the efects of their deeds. The gang-members are convicted for their crimes but this often remains without far-reaching consequences. The Japanese court, with its strict values and standards, clashes with the Black Emperor's rites. It is extremely difficult to change the situation around these youngsters by social assistance or by a mother's testimony against her son. The mutual bond between the young people is much stronger than the standards that society or their family enforces on them.
The documentary is a cleverly shot and daring product that displays a totally unknown Japanese subculture.
Black Emperor's members are often kids that have been kicked out of school and cannot sustain a single day of work. Their dissatisfaction and aggression are expressed in the group that functions according to fascist principles.
The documentary attempts to sketch a picture, from the inside, of the world these youngsters live in. Mitsuo has filmed their rites, their habits, and their intimidations toward other groups. Furthermore, he shows the efects of their deeds. The gang-members are convicted for their crimes but this often remains without far-reaching consequences. The Japanese court, with its strict values and standards, clashes with the Black Emperor's rites. It is extremely difficult to change the situation around these youngsters by social assistance or by a mother's testimony against her son. The mutual bond between the young people is much stronger than the standards that society or their family enforces on them.
The documentary is a cleverly shot and daring product that displays a totally unknown Japanese subculture.
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