Death by Hanging

Death by Hanging is a 1968 Japanese drama film written and directed by Nagisa Ōshima. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and marked a significant departure from Ōshima's earlier works, which were characterized by their lyrical and poetic style. Death by Hanging instead employs a more experimental approach, blurring the lines between drama and comedy. The film tells the story of a Korean man, Ryuichi, who is sentenced to death in Japan for having committed a heinous crime. As the time of his execution draws near, Ryuichi's character undergoes a series of transformations, defying the expectations of the narrative and challenging the very notion of morality. The film begins with Ryuichi being led to the gallows, where he is to be hanged. However, just as the execution is about to take place, a series of mishaps prevents the hangman from carrying out the sentence, and Ryuichi escapes with his life. The authorities are thrown into a state of panic, unsure of what to do next. As Ryuichi slips through the fingers of the law, he embarks on a series of bizarre and unsettling encounters, which serve to underscore the absurdity of the situation. Throughout the film, Ōshima employs a tone of deadpan humor, which adds to the overall sense of unease and discomfort. Ryuichi's character is portrayed as a cipher, a figure without a clear identity, who embodies the contradictions of post-war Japan. As Ryuichi navigates the Japanese underworld, he encounters a series of eccentric characters, each with their own twisted worldview. These characters include a Japanese woman who has an intense fascination with Ryuichi, a group of rowdy youths who idolize him, and a series of officials who are tasked with capturing him. Through these encounters, Ōshima reveals the dark underbelly of Japan's post-war society, exposing the societal ills that have been swept under the carpet. The film's narrative is characterized by its disjointed and fragmented structure, which mirrors the chaos and disorder that pervades the narrative. The camera work is similarly innovative, using a range of unconventional techniques, including static shots, close-up shots, and long takes. These techniques contribute to the overall sense of disorientation and unease, drawing the viewer into the world of the film. One of the most striking aspects of Death by Hanging is its use of language and dialogue. The script is peppered with references to Japanese history and culture, which serve to underscore the sense of dislocation and disorientation that pervades the narrative. At the same time, the language is often surreal and dreamlike, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. This use of language adds to the overall sense of uncertainty and chaos, making it difficult for the viewer to discern what is real and what is not. Throughout the film, Ōshima raises a range of questions about the nature of morality and justice. Ryuichi's character is portrayed as a figure without responsibility, who is simultaneously culpable and blameless. This paradox underscores the idea that morality is a social construct, and that justice is a fiction. The film's ending is similarly open-ended, leaving the viewer to ponder the implications of Ryuichi's fate and the broader meaning of the narrative. Death by Hanging is a film that is both visually striking and intellectually challenging. Its innovative use of language and narrative structure, combined with its exploration of themes such as morality and justice, make it a thought-provoking and unforgettable viewing experience. Despite its experimental nature, the film has maintained a cult following over the years, and its influence can be seen in the work of later filmmakers such as Martin Scorsese and Terry Gilliam.