The Peasants of the Second Fortress

The fourth film of six devoted to the peasant communities of Sanrizuka, giving a complete documentation of an important political struggle in Japan. Excellently photographed, it records a six-year battle (thus far successful) between peasants and the State over farmland which the government wished to take over for a new airport: a useful reminder that the forces of pollution can be stemmed by concerted action. Ogawa has the fortunate ability to let people and events speak for themselves, while remaining evidently compassionate, curious, and carefully selective in his handling of the material. An admirable political film. JDuC.