University of Laughs
University of Laughs
| 30 October 2004 (USA)
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In pre-war Japan, a government censor tries to make the writer for a theater troupe alter his comedic script. As they work with and against each other, the script ends up developing in unexpected ways.

Reviews
Redwarmin This movie is the proof that the world is becoming a sick and dumb place
Chirphymium It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional
Matylda Swan It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.
Guillelmina The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.
Cat Mouse On 1940, Japan is in war. The all play is banned by government. When dramatic company wants to do play, their script have to be inspected by the police. In this age, there are two men. One is Kosaka, he have never laughed since he was born. Another one is Tsubaki, he is a playwright writing for "Dramatic Company of Laughs". They meet in the investigation room. Kosaka demands to Tsucaki to rewrite script exceot laughs. The main characters are only two. Kosaka and Tsucaki. Main set is the investigation room. They persuade each other for 7 days. Original story was made by Koki Mitani. He is playwrightm scriptwriter, film director and stage director. Originally, this story is a stage play. That's why, even only investigation room, the story can be very funny. Especially, Kosaka, Koji Yakusho is acted, his action is very good. How he is changed by Tsubaki is great. This movie break old movie's stereotype.
little-greenmen In World WarⅡ, Japanese government was controlling every entertainment. This is the story of director of comedy stage and sensor of government.This story's point of interest, the censor's thinking changes gradually, because of the eager director. At first, the censor tried to not forgive it hate even to laugh, but the director's avid attitude and his fascinating script made the censor change. The other key point is historical back ground. How do you expect the ending of this story?I like this movie so much. Koji Yakusyo acts the censor who don't have interest in entertainment, and too serious. In addition, he has never laughed anything so far. The other hand, Goro Inagaki acts the director who makes funny stories, and also he is earnest too. The both of actor's acting are wonderful and they matched their role.This film has so many points of laugh, and give us warm feeling after watch it. Especially, I was cried by last scene. This is one of the greatest film what I've ever seen. I want to recommend it to everyone.
Madame Gina The story is set in the age when the comedy in public was restricted by the government. An inspector and a comedy writer make a comedy within the legally permissible level together. The funny words and rhythmical music still linger in my head because two of them repeat practices again and again while working out a detailed plan. This film was scripted by Koki Mitani who is the famous scriptwriter and director in Japan. Most of his works are comedies and make me laugh every time. As the title says, this film also makes me laugh. I like Koji Yakusho who plays the part of the inspector in this film and he appears on most of works by Koki Mitani. In this film, "Mitani World" is developed like other his works. I recommend everyone to watch the film because the film not only is funny but also describes the times.
mariafefauk It is amazing and rare when a film manages to reach us and surprise us by succeeding our expectations. In my personal experience, THE UNIVERSITY OF LAUGHS is one of such films. What I loved the most about this particular film is how complex issues which throughout history have affected cultural expression can be represented and illustrated in such a fine and simple fashion.Sakisaka, a government official entrusted with creating favorable conditions for the maximum expansion of the ruling ideology, through the censorship and manipulation of messages in popular culture meets his counterpart in a humble theater script writer seeking approval for his latest project. The movie evolves and progresses as both, censor and writer work together, with and against each other to achieve their individual interests.My favorite moment is that in which Hajime Tsubaki becomes aware that his interest and passion for comedy writing, transcends the personal and collective interests of his boss, his colleagues and even his nation. He can live with the criticism and punishment offered to him by friends, peers and society at large but he cannot live without being true to himself, therefore, he is left with no option but to follow his comic nature through his gift of writing. This is the most purely political phase in the film, and it marks the decisive passage of struggle from the individual structure, to the sphere of the complex superstructures.In all, this is a beautiful and clever display of Japanese culture and worldwide struggle for freedom of speech, and a subtle reminder of how far we have come to reach the stage of cultural freedom that many of us enjoy today.
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