Plan 75
Plan 75 is a 2022 Japanese dystopian drama film directed by Chie Hayakawa. The film explores a near-future Japan grappling with an aging population and social pressures that lead the government to implement "Plan 75," a program offering financial and logistical assistance to elderly citizens who voluntarily choose euthanasia.
The film delves into the societal factors that contribute to the plan's implementation, including economic hardship, feelings of isolation among the elderly, and a perceived burden on younger generations. It follows several characters whose lives are impacted by Plan 75: an elderly woman struggling to survive, a Plan 75 recruiter, and a young Filipino caregiver working in Japan.
Plan 75 examines ethical considerations surrounding assisted suicide, the value placed on human life, and the impact of societal pressures on vulnerable populations. It raises questions about the role of government in end-of-life decisions and the potential for exploitation when vulnerable individuals are offered seemingly compassionate solutions to complex problems. The film also explores themes of aging, loneliness, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. It offers a critical commentary on societal attitudes towards aging and the challenges faced by elderly individuals in contemporary Japan.