Political elements of the film.

One thing that has always surprised me about Oshii's films are the political and deep philosophical elements. One thing I have noticed about Japanese culture is that it seems a majority of the population could care less about politics. I remember being in a bar in Shinjuku discussing former Prime Minister Koizumi with a local. He told me that the biggest reason the Japanese public liked Koizumi was because he had the image of a leader...somewhat of a cult of personality without the paintings, so to speak. It makes me wonder about what sort of impression his films such as the second Patlabor film and Otomo's Cannon Fodder/Akira leaves on the Japanese public.

I know that it seems recently the Japanese public is caring a bit more about being involved in the election process (the left party is finally dominant in parliament)...but...this is just something I figured might spark some good discussion.

Thoughts? Anyone?

On a separate topic...speaking of anime films that are popular in North America such as Akira and Ghost in the Shell are so jeered by the majority of anime fans (just look online) but those who have interest in cyberpunk, dystopia, philosophy, politics, etc., eat it up and love them. I guess it works just like regular entertainment, where the real art is suppressed and the garbage flourishes. Just a random note.

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IMDb never adds my trivia information, damn it!