"Shin Chimu Dondon" is so much fun [Ichiro Enokido's Movie Akasata Vol.34]

A long time ago, when I saw ` `Bowling for Columbine '' (2002), I wondered if a documentary film like this, rich in movement and intellectual exploration, could be made in Japan. Michael Moore is a filmmaker who receives mixed reviews, but he has consistently remained one of my favorite directors, and has had a great influence on his later documentary works.

So, when I saw `` Senkyonandesu the Movie '' (23), I cringed. The on-the-nose duo of Darth Raider and Petit Kashima are the creators of the documentary I've been waiting for. It's not just ``doing a Michael Moore-like thing in Japan.'' His goal was to ``do the Michael Moore-like thing better and more deeply in Japan.'' I was one step behind the rest of the world when I saw `` Senkyonandesu the Movie '' at the Cine Wind in Niigata City, but when I left the mini-theater I was so happy that it didn't make any sense to me to see it at the Bandai Bus Center. It was close to the window!). I wanted to skip anything.

`` Senkyonandesu the Movie '' is only the first work that was released half a year ago, so I shouldn't spend too many words on it, but I'll continue to explain the outline of the work, so I'll continue. The director and main actors are rapper Darth Raider and current comedian Petit Kashima. The two have been putting out a YouTube program called ``Hirukaranandesu'' that takes a vivid look at current events, and their previous work ` `Theatrical Edition Senkyonandesu '' was basically a re-edited version of that Youtube video. `` Senkyonandesu the Movie '' was a true successor to Michael Moore's work, in that the director himself was a performer, and he waged guerrilla warfare on an ad hoc basis depending on the shooting situation. The target is national elections. Coverage will include the Kagawa constituency for the 2021 House of Representatives election, and the Osaka and Kyoto prefecture constituencies for the 2022 House of Councilors election.

His jeers are admirable. They talk friendly to candidates from each side and even participate in parades. The true face of the candidates and their political stances are clearly conveyed through the camera. These two are performers and comedians, so they know how to show off. Anyway, I'm absolutely exhausted. A funny and easy to understand election road movie. However, the previous work `` Senkyonandesu the Movie '' takes an unexpected turn. After listening to street speeches and visiting election offices, I was busy taking photos, when I received a report that former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had been shot in Nara.

The situation will change completely. As people are refraining from giving public speeches one after another, the heckling duo loses the opportunity to do so. I think politicians were asked once again about the meaning of making street speeches (or rather, the meaning of being a politician and the meaning of democracy). On the other hand, the onlooker duo also deepens the meaning of ``watching elections'' and ``thinking about politics.'' This was really moving.

Let's end this overly long introduction. The second film ``Shin Chimudon'' (23) was released in just six months. It's really interesting. Not only those who have seen the previous work and are familiar with the characters of the on-again-off-again duo (plus writer Rihito Hatakeyama, whom the two look up to as their mentor), but also those who came into contact with this series for the first time through "Shin Chimudondon", don't worry. No need to worry, it's guaranteed to captivate you in no time.

“Shin Chimudondon” © “Shin Chimudondon” Production Committee

This time it is the Okinawa gubernatorial election. A wild jockeying campaign begins with each candidate giving a speech on the street. As you may know, the title ``Chimu Dondon'' comes from the title of an NHK morning drama series. It means that your heart is pounding. I think Petit Kashima's point of view is excellent, as all three candidates listed NHK's ``Chimudondon'' in the ``favorite drama'' section of their election profiles. First, I go to listen to street speeches, actively talk to them, and then, from a fixed point of view, I ask them, ``What do you like about Chimudondon?'' Are you really watching the drama? Are they just tuning in for Okinawan voters? If he were to lie here, he would be lying about his campaign promises and everything else. ``Chimudondon'' is used as a guideline to measure a candidate's personality and transparency.

Well, it's not a documentary where you set up a storyboard in advance and interview it, so you won't know how it's going to turn out until you try it. The onlooker duo will show you the entire process of "trying to bump into each other." We in the audience were surprised, thinking, "Wow, did you fall over here?", but both Darth Raider and Petit Kashima were also surprised. Elections are full of surprises. It's a showy show, it's full of drama, and if you follow it carefully, you'll end up with a slapstick drama filled with tears and laughter.

However, it doesn't end there.

It seems I misunderstood the previous work. I thought it was supposed to be a ``documentary that looks at the election and makes fun of it,'' but when it encounters an unexpected incident (the shooting of former Prime Minister Abe), it turns into an unexpectedly serious political documentary. After watching this episode of ``Shin Chimudondon,'' I changed my mind. Darth Raider and Petit Kashima, the two filmmakers and cast members, are incredibly passionate and have a serious side to them.

I don't want to be funny, I want to think. I want to think about it while being amused.

what? Okinawa. Japan through Okinawa.

My favorite scene in this movie is the scene in which Darth Raider plays an impromptu rap song to the people holding a sit-in in Henoko and the police standing guard. It started out as if it were a no-brainer, but when I thought about what was going to happen, it turned out to be such a wonderful lyric that my eyes got a little hot. I won't say anything bad. You should see it. I think he easily surpasses Michael Moore.

Text: Ichiro Enoki

Born in 1959. Born in Akita Prefecture. Debuted in a commercial magazine with ``Takarajima'' in 1980 while studying at Chuo University. Since then, he has serialized columns and essays in various magazines, and continues to this day. Also active on radio and television. Twitter @ichiroenokido

Reserve “Shin Chimudondon” now ↓

"Shin Chimudondon"

8/11 (Friday) - Advance release at Sakurazaka Theater in Naha & simultaneous distribution worldwide

8/19 (Sat) - Road show at Pole Pole Higashi Nakano/Cinema Chupki Tabata, Tokyo

Distribution: Netsugen

© “Shin Chimudondon” Production Committee