In a near dystopian future, Japan’s government launches PLAN 75, a program encouraging the elderly to terminate their own lives to relieve its rapidly aging population’s social and economic burdens. In Chie Hayakawa’s remarkable and sensitive feature film debut, the lives of three ordinary citizens intersect in this new reality as they confront the crushing callousness of a world ready to dispose of those no longer deemed valuable. Legendary Japanese actress Chieko Baishō stars as a 78-year-old Michi who considers signing up for the program after losing her meager but fulfilling hotel job and the means to live independently. A young Plan 75 salesman Himoru (Hayato Isomura), initially believes in the program’s benefits and serves as the human face of the program. And Maria (Stephanie Arianne), a Filipino care worker living overseas, reluctantly accepts a position with PLAN 75 to send money home to her ailing daughter. On the surface, the plan and its hawkers exude a kindness that serves as the film’s chilling vision of bureaucratic indifference and our increasing loss of interconnectedness. However, Hayakawa’s view is far from grim, as these characters soon learn to fully reckon with their own lives and what it truly means to live.
For in-depth thoughts on Plan 75, please see my colleague Codie Allen’s review from its original theatrical release here.
Video Quality
Plan 75 makes its Blu-Ray debut with a sumptuous 1080p video presentation that showcases the striking cinematography well. The image has a real sense of texture and a valuable amount of depth within the frame. The transfer thrives with the nuanced color palette that fills up the screen. The film employs some deep colors when out in nature or traversing the bright lighting of some of the stores that are visited. The overall palette leans cool, but it is far from being deprived of color. The flesh tones are natural with a welcome amount of detail present in close-ups. The clothing and production design provide impeccably clear textural details. The black levels reveal a slight amount of banding in a few moments, but largely they maintain their depth. This Blu-Ray is a great effort from KimStim.
Audio Quality
KimStim gives this Blu-Ray a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track that translates the soundscape without any issues. Environmental sounds of the world saturate the surround speakers in an enveloping way. When the characters are moving outside, some distinct ambient details expand the setting. Dialogue comes through clearly without being overwhelmed by any competing sounds. This narrative goes more for contemplative and moody rather than kinetic, but there are a few moments that add some texture to the proceedings. The score evokes the appropriate tone for the story, and it sounds nice and balanced while maintaining its fidelity. The audio track provides a well-rounded experience full of unique qualities that bring this narrative to life. This film is presented in the original Japanese with optional English subtitles.
Special Features
- Niagara (2013) Short Film: A 27-minute short film from director Chie Hayakawa in which a young girl learns of a disturbing family secret and is left to navigate the ramifications.
- Asian Movie Pulse Interview with Director Chie Hayakawa: A 30-minute interview with the filmmaker in which she discusses her journey to becoming a filmmaker, the experience of making her debut feature, the motivations behind certain narrative choices, and so much more.
- Theatrical Trailer (2:01)
- Booklet: A multi-page booklet is provided for the film featuring an essay by film critic Hayley Scanlon in which she discusses some real-world tragedies that feed into the narrative, the themes of the film, the journey of the characters, and more.
Final Thoughts
Plan 75 is a delicate and deeply upsetting exploration of society’s view of the elderly that ultimately acts as a warning. It is not so much that individuals should not have control of their own fates, but rather everyone should be supported and valued enough to feel comfortable with any choice they might make. Director Chie Hayakawa never overplays the drama of the situation, always choosing to sit in the quiet power of the moment rather than ramping up the melodrama. It is a beautiful debut that welcomes a vital new voice to our screens. KimStim has released a Blu-Ray featuring a strong A/V presentation and a small selection of supplements. Recommended
Plan 75 is currently available to purchase on Standard Edition Blu-Ray or with a Limited Edition Slipcover exclusively through Vinegar Syndrome.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: KimStim and OCN Distribution have supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
