A sarin attack survivor road-trips with his cultist almost-killer. Buckle up, philosophy nerds.
Atsushi Sakahara, a victim of the 1995 sarin gas attack in Tokyo's subway system, travels with Hiroshi Araki, an executive of Aleph (formerly Aum Shinrikyo), the attack's perpetrators, visiting their respective hometowns and the university they both attended. Conversations unfold, building intimacy: we learn why Araki joined the infamous organization led by Shoko Asahara and why, still, Araki remains an executive member of the cult, even though he was not directly involved in any of the crimes.The beginning of a friendship, a trip for redemption, or the confirmation that each human has to go their own way.
Direction
Sakahara's patient, self-implicating gaze never lets Araki off easy
Editing
Conversations breathe uncomfortably long, forcing you to sit with discomfort
Director
Atsushi Sakahara
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Sakahara spent years convincing Araki to participate, making this arguably the most patient act of documentary revenge ever committed.
The film's Japanese title translates closer to 'A Journey with Aum'—the English title's 'Banality of Evil' reference to Arendt was added for Western festival circuits, shifting its philosophical framing.
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