<p><strong>“Think remake of <em>Mutiny on the Bounty</em> using <em>Dogville</em> as an aesthetic blueprint.” - <em>Hollywood Reporter</em></strong></p>

<p>Japan's recent economic recession has fuelled the revival of left-wing dissident Takiji Kobayashi's 1929 novel <em>Kanikôsen. </em>This remade film version from director Sabu comes as a calls-to-arms, although it trades on anti-establishment, stylised ‘cool' and cheeky asides rather than riffing on well-worn diatribe.</p>

<p>Within the <em>Metropolis</em>-like confines of a crab canning ship, during Japan's Imperialist era, downtrodden worker Shinjo stumbles into the role of union leader as he and his comrades struggle against their capitalist superiors. Large, mechanised cogs reminiscent of Chaplin's <em>Modern Times</em> dominate a highly theatrical set design. Even the most serious sentiments come obscured with slapstick.</p>

<p>“A men's film, a war film, a socialist agitprop film, and a modern dance film with kozachok interludes.” - Berlin Film Festival</p>

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