Plan 75

This film gave plenty of time to the audience to contemplate on the complex theme of aging in a growing society focused on youth. The film opens on a scene based on the true story of the Japanese man who massacred 19 disabled patients in their hospital beds, believing that he was providing mercy for his victims and a sacrifice that would benefit the nation. Introducing viewers to this very dark event and connecting it to the ethics of care for aging citizens, strikes the dystopian, yet realistic, and societal critical tone for the rest of the film. The scenes have very slow and long scenes showing mundane acts, such as making food, filling out paperwork, and with wide camera shots that has the audience feel more like they are surveilling the characters. There are few moments of character development and it feels slightly detached, when you don't always know a character's full history. However, it puts you into the exact moments the characters are going through seemingly in real time, which adds to the realism of the film. Whether or not the main characters are surrounded by people in a given scene, the lack of nondiegetic sound or music (which would influence how you feel), creates a sense of extreme, heartbreaking loneliness. Considering how Mishi is struggling with her decision to go through with Plan 75, her internal thoughts stay secret which is poignant in thinking about elderly solitude and the painful emotions that arise from that topic. Plan 75 depicts aging as an ongoing ethical question instead of just using senior citizen character to invoke emotion. 6.5/10.

A difficult subject of the loneliness and desolation of growing old when you are on your own and aggravated by a social & government encouragement of sacrifice any financial burden on the younger generation because you are now not contributing to society (this is not actual circumstances but we may not be far from it yet). It follows the story of 3 main characters (it actually touches much more than 3 different roles/characters in the story) of how this government funded Plan 75 (which because of it success, it is being considered for lowering from age 75 to 65!) is being marketed like a 5-star flan with compensation of money to use before volunteering to die, the gross act of dyibg itself in mass partitioned premises, the disposal of the bodies possessions, mass cremations and ashes lanong in landfills. The main 3 characters include a 78 lady who faces life alone and has to decide to choose the Plan or not, a young guy who markers the solan and a worker who has to handle the dead bodies and their possessions. It's a slow moving story but a hauntingly rewarding one. Remember - if you are lucky, you grow old. Even if you have children, you may be lonely. Even if you have friends, they may die first. A thought provoking story indeed.

The film disappointingly overlooks the opportunity to delve into the underlying reasons and consequences of the growing ageing population in its failure to address the crucial issue of the increasing demographic challenge faced by Japan - the fertility rate is below the replacement level. This critical concern could have been thoroughly examined within the film's narrative. Understanding the complex factors contributing to Japan's low birth rate is crucial to comprehend the social and economic implications that stem from an ageing population. By delving into the societal pressures, cultural shifts, and economic challenges that influence reproductive decisions, the film could have shed light on a pressing issue contemporary Japan faces. A missed opportunity indeed.

Moreover, exploring the far-reaching repercussions of this demographic shift would have added depth and relevance to the film. The burdensome strain on the healthcare system, pension funds, and social welfare programs are all real-world consequences of a rapidly ageing society. The film had the potential to address this social fallout and project a cautionary tale for real-world Japan, underscoring the urgency for policies and initiatives to tackle the impending crisis.

Intertwining these themes within the film's narrative, could have prompted viewers to contemplate the intricate relationship between demographics, societal dynamics, and the future well-being of a nation. Unfortunately, the filmmakers overlooked these critical aspects. The film's failure to address the underlying reasons and consequences of Japan's ageing population leaves a void in its narrative. By delving into the causes of Japan's low fertility rate and exploring the resulting social fallout, the film could have offered valuable insights and stimulated meaningful discussions. Regrettably, it falls short of fulfilling its potential and leaves audiences craving a more thought-provoking and socially aware exploration of this pressing issue.

With the ever ageing population putting considerable pressure on the resources of the Japanese government, they pass legislation that will allow any citizen over the age of seventy-five to apply for an assisted suicide programme. They will get $1,000 and an all expenses paid, group, cremation. "Hiromu Okabe" (Hayato Isomura) is a young man charged with the administration of applications and he encounters "Michi" (Chieko Baishô). This is a lady still pretty sound of mind and body, but who is alone. She feels her existence is a burden, her home is soon to be demolished and it's fair to say that she sees little purpose in continuing to go through the motions. The young man also encounters an elderly gentleman - his estranged uncle "Yukio" (Take Takao) who is of a similar state of mind and although he cannot deal with this case directly, this triumvirate of individuals serve as a potent conduit for some thought-provoking cinema. "Hiromu" treats 'Plan 75" (curious that it is titled and branded in English) as a job. He has little personal investment in any of his clients - until, that is, he faces some personal conflict. Meantime, "Michi" has been chatting to a young lady who is on the telephone for support purposes and gradually their chatting leads to a bond and perhaps she begins to have doubts? As the threads gather together the film starts to become faintly silly - the ending is flawed on quite a few levels for me - practical and philosophical, but this story still offers us food for thought as we consider just how arbitrary age is when we evaluate suitability for things. Society uses it all the time - when we can start doing something and when we ought to stop. It rarely, if ever, looks at the particulars of the individual - it just makes simplistic generalisations. This film goes some way to challenging that perspective and though I was quite disappointed with it's lack of focus and slightly meandering narrative, Baishô and Isomura deliver well and it's certainly something to think about.

A slow, bleak, and ultimately decent film, Plan 75 apparently belongs in the science-fiction genre, but it's one of those uncomfortably realistic and plausible sci-fi movies that is far from fun or adventurous. It barely even feels like it takes place in the future at all, following several people in Japan who are all involved with a new government program that encourages elderly people (who exceed the age of 75) to end their lives via euthanasia, apparently because of overpopulation concerns.

Not only is the premise bleak, but the slow pace also ensures this is a hard watch. It kind of makes you sit and feel discomfort at the whole thing, and never really suggests that there's much hope for some kind of upbeat conclusion. It's all very muted and quietly sad. I don't think that makes the film boring on it's own, but there was something lacking to make it hit a little harder or feel a bit more engaging. The slowness and uneasiness was definitely intentional, to a certain extent, but I also can't say the approach grabbed me all the time.

But it's decently made and looks at something that I fear could come true, to some extent. It's dark and sad without being a tearjerker, or having much of an emotional release. It's overall probably one of the hardest types of movies to watch, and while I didn't love it, I respect it.