Blu-ray Review by The Headless Critic

Kiju Yoshida's Love + Anarchism Box Set:
Coup D’Etat – 1973




The final part of a loose film trilogy known as Love + Anarchism. These three films are united by their political and free love themes. Coup D’Etat is a biopic of the life of political extremist Ikki Kita (Rentarô Mikuni). Kita is brought the bloody clothes of his younger brother who committed suicide. Tormented by his brother’s death, Kita is shaped into a man who becomes so disenchanted with his government he tries to overthrow them, leaving the country in martial law, ruled by the Emperor.

The third film in the non-series is a far more coherent story than the previous two. There’s still some assumption that the viewer knows of the trials of the time, which if you aren’t a Japanese history buff or a fan of Yoshida’s works then you probably don’t. All three Love + Anarchism films have a wonderful story to tell. Coup D’Etat is far more grounded and a realistic portrayal. It’s a thought provoking film that doesn’t get as lost in its arthouse form. I do not understand how the film quality is so much worse than movies made three and four years prior. Perhaps this is an arthouse stance.

3 out of 5 Headless Critics


Special Features:
The Love + Anarchism box set from Arrow Video is an impressive 7 disc anthology covering 3 films and is packed with everything. Excellent restoration with updated subtitles for accuracy, scene select commentary, this box set includes theatrical trailers for each film. This film is introduces by it’s director. Also included is a procedural documentary which includes commentary by Director Kiju Yoshida. New discussions of Yoshida’s works are also presented here with Yoshida expert and author David Dresser who’s found throughout the special features.

4 out of 5 Horror Filled Features

Coup D'État (1973) [Trailer] from Art Theatre Guild on Vimeo.