The Contestant
By Kat Halstead,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Japanese reality TV docu has nudity, suicide references.
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The Contestant
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What's the Story?
In THE CONTESTANT, a documentary crew revisit the people involved in Japanese reality TV show Denpa Shonen: A Life in Prizes, which saw wannabe comedian Tomoaki Hamatsu -- nicknamed Nasubi -- stripped naked and left alone in a room, challenged with surviving on the winnings of magazine sweepstakes alone.
Is It Any Good?
Given the way reality TV has developed over the years, it doesn't seem surprising that more than 15 million viewers tuned in each week back in 1998 to watch a naked man shut in a room. However, it's the extent of the "challenges" (more honestly, abuse) he was subjected to that will likely shock viewers of The Contestant. Challenged to survive solely on prizes from magazine sweepstakes, Nasubi was "great TV" and "a gift," according to callous producer Tsuchiya, as he was gradually dehumanized to the point of eating dog food and contemplating suicide. His every move was aired without informed consent, he was publicly ridiculed, and his physical and mental health pushed to the limits for the sake of entertainment. It raises a lot of ethical questions, for sure, though many viewers will find themselves watching in what is surely a similarly voyeuristic way the second time around as the documentary airs the most outrageous original footage. What it does offer is a limited glimpse into Nasubi's life and achievements after the show, perhaps offering back some of the power and autonomy that was stripped from him some 25 years ago, when he unwittingly became a "star."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the ethical implications raised in The Contestant. What did you think of the reality show? At what points did it cross a line? Do you think it would be made today?
How did the show fit in to the reality TV genre more widely? Are there other shows you think use manipulation and cruelty for entertainment? Are there any that have good points and positive messages?
How did Nasubi demonstrate perseverance and courage? Why are these important character strengths? Do they have potential downsides? Can you think of times you've shown them in your own life?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: May 2, 2024
- Cast: Tomoaki Hamatsu , Toshio Tsuchiya , Fred Armisen
- Director: Clair Titley
- Inclusion Information: Asian actors, Latino actors
- Studio: Hulu
- Genre: Documentary
- Character Strengths: Courage , Perseverance
- Run time: 90 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: May 1, 2024
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