Linda Hoaglund’s documentary focuses on the 1960 controversy surrounding the renewal of the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security —also known as ANPO—which allowed the U.S. to continue operating nearly 100 military bases across Japan. Significant opposition developed throughout Japan, but Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi (who had none-too-covert backing from the CIA) successfully routed his opponents in parliament and ordered police to use force in putting down public demonstrations staged in Tokyo. The animosity towards Kishi and the continued presence of American troops became so intense that a planned state visit by U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower had to be cancelled; Kishi resigned shortly afterwards, his political career effectively over. Hoaglund examines the 1960 protests through the creative work and commentary of visual artists who were either participants or used the events of five decades ago to shape their artistic output and political philosophy. ANPO features loads of artwork that puts the U.S. military in a harshly unflattering light (several paintings have not been publicly displayed in many years), supplemented by vintage newsreel and photojournalist coverage of the conflict. Present-day American troops also offer comments as Hoaglund shoots her film. A fascinating documentary dealing with the development of post–WWII Japan and the history of U.S. military involvement in Asia, this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)
ANPO: Art X War 