On March 20, 1995, the deadliest domestic terrorist incident in Japan’s history was perpetrated. In five coordinated attacks, members of the Aum Shinrikyo released sarin – a toxic nerve agent – on three lines of the Tokyo Metro. Thousands of people were affected, including thirteen deaths and fifty others who were severely wounded. AUM: The Cult at the end of the World looks at the history of the group behind the attack.
Though the runtime is relatively short, filmmakers Ben Braun and Chiaki Yanagimoto pack in a lot of information. As expected, the documentary looks back on the history of Aum. What The Cult at the end of the World does differently is the focus is placed more on the group as a whole instead of its leader Shoko Asahara. There are references to his personality and a short part about his childhood, but this is about the entire organization.
It is a fascinating watch that follows the path Asahara and his follower took from 1987. Most cults share a similar story. They are small, keep to themselves, and are only heard of after some horrific event. The Cult at the End of the World documents how Aum were unlike others. Along with political aspirations, they also had an international presence. Some of the strangest parts of the film is footage of their political rallies. And the tales of what they were doing in Russia are like something out of a sci-fi horror movie.
What may be most disturbing is the relationship involving the Japanese media. It was filled with appearances on talk shows. These were not hard hitting investigative pieces; they were met with approval and friendly banter. Even when Aum was tied to something suspicious, it was quickly dismissed. It was not until the tragedy in 1995 that they were regarded as serious threats on a larger scale.
AUM: The Cult at the End of the World is as interesting as it is frightening. The Tokyo subway attack is what Aum is most notorious for, but over the years they were responsible for murder, kidnapping, and torture. What is even scarier is that even after the attack, today one of Aum’s top members is living a normal life – as the head of a spiritual group.
AUM: The Cult at the End of the World releases in theaters March 19.
