The film as a comment on WW2 (spoilers)

Murakami and Sato debate the differing attitudes towards crime and evil in relation to different generations and the après-guerre adults. I think this is a keynote conversation between the two in terms of the film's themes and not just the plot of old-new cop/mentoring. There was plenty of evidence throughout the film of the hardships endured by the ordinary working folk. Yusa's lifestyle and behaviour are not only related to the war but his breakdown after he's caught made me think of PTSD. Sato makes a comment to Sei-san that he's not going to beat him like an army officer. And so on. There's so much. Also the metaphor of the stray dog not only reminded me of the kamikaze pilots but made me reflect about people in a country post war and atomic bombs.

I thought this was a very good film and would be interested in others' thoughts on the war and what issues the film is working to portray or resolve that are overhanging from the war.

A bird sings and the mountain's silence deepens.