Dauntaun hirozu (Hope and Pain)

In April 1948, Kosuke begins school at the Matsyama Secondary School in Shikoku. This film is a portrait of the life of the pupils, their friendships and their enmities. Kosuke becomes friends with Holtan, whose primary interest is in erotic adventures; and with Uncle, who believes in platonic love. All three are in love with Fusako, whom the boys describe as the "Madonna" of the school. Events come to a head during preparations for a performance of Friedrich Hebbel's novella 'Barber Zitterlein', dramatised especially for the stage by teachers and pupils. Uncle admits his love to Fusako, but she rejects him. Then, in the winter of 1949, the studente begin to revolt because the Japanese government, acting under the instructions of the Americans, have introduced a new system at universities and schools. This is also the year when the three friends leave school. From now on, they go their separate ways. (pressbook)