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The documentary "A2" will be screened in its US debut.
Given the current climate in the US regarding the government's response to terrorism in the wake of September 11th, this film has relevance well beyond that of those interested in Japanese cinema or culture.
A series of crimes committed by members of Aum Shinrikyo (currently named Aleph) culminated in the sarin gas attack on Tokyo subway system on March 20, 1995. A dozen people died and thousands were made ill. Many are still suffering from the effects of exposure to sarin. Japan and the world were stunned, shocked, and outraged. While most of the Aum members who were involved in the crimes have been arrested and others left the group, many have refused to relinquish their allegiance to the group and the teachings of its founder, Asahara Shoko.
Of all the documentaries and television programs produced about Aum, only the work of Mori Tatsuya stands out as different. Despite considerable critical acclaim both in Japan and abroad, Mori's documentaries are still considered basically "taboo" in Japan, probably because of the relatively "neutral" stance Mori takes, within the films. His films reveal aspects of Aum and Japanese society not seen in coverage by the mass media.
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