Program Note
A man wakes up in a hospital bed with no memory of who he is or anything else. To his shock, he discovers that he is Kuroda, the Prime Minister of Japan, known for having the worst approval ratings in the country's history, reviled by the public for his relentless pursuit of money and power. After being struck by a stone during a speech and falling unconscious, Kuroda develops amnesia. To avoid chaos, his aides conceal his condition from both the public and his family. Unaware of his true identity, he must suddenly pretend to be the fully functional Prime Minister, facing a whirlwind of trials.
Director Mitani Koki’s comedy, which seamlessly crosses boundaries, now unfolds in the political arena. The story of the worst possible person sincerely confronting reality and transforming into the exact opposite character is imbued with Mitani Koki’s unique style, creating a heartwarming comedy. The recurring political phrase “I don’t remember” is used as a premise to explore what an ideal politician should be, adding a thought-provoking message to this delightful film. (Martin LEE)