• Plot
• Recommendations

In Okayama in the mid-1930s, Kiroku attends high school and boards with a Catholic family whose daughter, Michiko, captures his heart. He must, however, hide his ardor and other aspects of his emerging sexuality, focusing his energy on a gang he joins, breaking school rules, and getting into scuffles (he tells her, 'Oh, Michiko, I don't masturbate, I fight'). He comes under the influence of a young tough nicknamed Terrapin, and together they lead fights against rival gangs. Gradually, Kiroku and Terrapin align themselves with the right-wing Kita Ikki, and Kiroku becomes a stand-in for the attitudes of Japanese youth who embraced the imperialism leading to World War II.

If you liked this movie, you should also see:

Closely Watched Trains (1966)

The Rules of the Game (1939)

Steamboat Bill, Jr. (1928)

The Pornographers (1966)

My Life as a Dog (1985)