Bashing (2005)

Directed by: Masahiro Kobayashi | 82 minutes | drama | Actors: Fusako Urabe, Ryuzo Tanaka, Takayuki Katô, Kikujiro Honda, Teruyuki Kagawa, Nene Otsuka

‘Bashing’ is based on a true story. When Yuko (Fusako Urabe) returns from Iraq after being held hostage there, she is vomited by Japanese society. She loses her job, her boyfriend and receives anonymous and hateful phone calls on her answering machine. Life is cold, chilly and lonely for Yuko. Because her father respects her choice and stands behind her, he also loses his job. And then he is no longer courageous and strong and does not last. Yuko and her stepmother stay behind together. But Yuko, who does choose life, knows that she should not stay in Japan. Everyone there is cold and unpleasant. In Iraq she did receive warmth from people and especially from children. She wants to go back.

This film resembles an indictment of Japanese morality. Instead of being happy that Yuko survived a hostage situation, people are angry with her. Volunteering is for rich people who have too much time. And if she does want to do something for others, why not do it in her own country?

Yuko seems to have had a good time in Iraq, although the viewer gets to know little about it. The cause of the hostage drama also remains unknown. But it is clear that a country at war does not mean that you cannot receive heat there. Warmth from children and people in need, people who are waiting for you and are happy with you.

Director Masahiro Kobayashi shows the daily life of Yuko’s Japan. Every day Yuko cycles on her pink bicycle everywhere she needs to be. ‘Bashing’ takes place in a country where your boss is in charge and very different standards and values ​​prevail than here. The film does not make Japan attractive, the cold manners, the run-down neighbourhoods, drab factories and minimal communication between people. It’s a specter. Especially when you consider that this story is based on true facts. But the missing information about the background of this story makes the film unsatisfactory. On the one hand, there is a lack of sufficient information as to why Japanese society is reacting to her this way. On the other hand, you learn nothing about her hostage-taking or experiences in Iraq. And choosing a country at war requires an explanation.