The Ceremony

The film delves into the tumultuous history of militaristic Japan as seen through the eyes of the complex protagonist from the Sakurada clan. As the only remaining heir, they navigate a world of political power struggles and societal changes, all framed by traditional family dynamics. Oshima's masterful direction explores the impact of these transformations on an individual level, using rituals as a symbolic narrative device to illustrate the ebb and flow of Japan's fortunes over several decades. The result is a poignant exploration of heritage, family bonds, and national identity in a time of great upheaval.