‘I considered starting over as a farmer’: Masao Adachi on political cinema, revolution and Japan today
Masao Adachi, the filmmaker and former Red Army militant, discusses his latest project Escape, a film about anarchist fugitive Satoshi Kirishima. He reflects on his past radical activism, the challenges of making politically engaged cinema, and his evolving views on revolution within contemporary Japan.
Adachi explains that he considered starting over as a farmer, signaling a shift from militant politics to quieter, more personal forms of resistance. He emphasizes the enduring appeal of radical cinema as a tool for critique, even as he grapples with practical frustrations in film production and distribution.
The interview explores themes of political cinema, nostalgia for revolutionary ideals, and how Adachi envisions progressive politics in today’s Japan, including the balance between artistic integrity and public impact.