An early Akira Kurasawa (Ikuru/Ran) feature from 1946. A group of like minded students during 1930's Japan see the world as idealists even thought the specter of fascism will rear its head in a few years time. Focusing on the daughter, played by Setsuko Hara (I must have an unspoken thing for her since this is the 4th film of hers I've seen in the last 2 weeks), of a professor who goes from being a student body darling to a disgraced outsider (when the power dynamic changes in the country) but Hara plows forward, romancing & eventually marrying one of her fellow classmates who shares her philosophy even when the government scoops him up (tragically where he dies in custody). Retreating back to her parents home, Hara decides to go live w/her in-laws (who have been labeled as spies) & live her days (even getting sick) as a laborer. A lot of food for thought to be sure but Hara's mercurial performance (which screams bipolar!) doesn't engender much audience sympathy but when her battle becomes an inner one, she finally comes to the fore. Also starring Takashi Shimura (one of Kurasawa's stock players) who shows up as a police enforcer.
Review of No Regrets for Our Youth
