Doing What I Please

About This Movie

Doing What I Please is a fascinating slice of life from 1961, quietly capturing the struggles of Koichi Haruyama. The film's pacing has this almost languid, reflective quality, allowing viewers to soak in the atmosphere of post-war Japan. Koichi's morally ambiguous quest, driving around Ginza and scavenging wrecked cars, draws a complex portrait of necessity versus ethics. The performances carry a natural weight, portraying the weight of debt and despair without melodrama. It's distinct for its raw depiction of urban life, blending societal themes with personal dilemmas, all while maintaining a grounded realism that feels almost documentary-like. There’s an authenticity here that resonates, making the film worth examining in a collector's context.

Doing What I Please has seen limited releases, making it a bit of a rarity for collectors. The film was originally available on VHS, but finding a decent condition copy can be quite a challenge. The scarcity of this title in good format is what enhances its appeal for those interested in Japanese cinema of the time. As collectors dive deeper into post-war narratives, this film emerges as an interesting piece that reflects the era's socio-economic challenges.