The Japanese were falling on hard times militarily when this was made. I suspect the spartan nature of the society was attributable to desperation. This is a propaganda film, showing how a group of children are robbed of their childhood to make lenses for optical equipment. Of course, they march and sing patriotic songs and seem to love their work. The sad thing is that they become so caught up in their basic brainwashed states that they are willing to become little automatons. Anyone who doubts the effort is shamed in front of her peers. I suppose Kurosawa saw something in the imperialist tactics of his leaders, but this film is purely self serving. One positive. He got to hone his craft. Visually it is quite well done. But dull as a rock.
Review of The Most Beautiful
