"Bonnie and Clyde" (1967, USA)

Aichi Insurance Physicians’ Newspaper

The film Bonnie and Clyde, which portrays young people repeatedly committing theft, resonated with the anarchic mindset of Japanese youth in the 1960s. It was so popular that not having seen Bonnie and Clyde meant being out of touch with the times.

Clyde (played by Warren Beatty), a former reform school inmate, is attempting to steal a car when he is interrupted by Bonnie (Faye Dunaway). Though it’s their first meeting, Clyde is drawn to Bonnie’s strong will, while Bonnie is captivated by Clyde’s boldness. Believing that nothing can stop them when they're together, they begin a spree of criminal acts.

Before long, they are joined by C.W., making them a trio. The three profit handsomely through car thefts executed with near-miraculous skill. However, their success is disrupted by the arrival of Clyde’s brother Buck (Gene Hackman) and Buck’s wife Blanche. Tension brews between the nagging Blanche and the proud Bonnie, who don't get along. Despite this, the five of them continue their criminal activities, expanding their reach.

But their luck runs out. In Iowa, the five are surrounded by sheriffs, and a fierce shootout ensues. Buck is gravely injured. Clyde, Bonnie, and C.W. manage to escape the tightening net, but Blanche stays behind to care for Buck. The group returns to a trio and continues stealing cars. After visiting Bonnie’s hometown—prompted by her desire to see her mother—the three seek shelter at C.W.’s father’s farm.

In a tragic turn, C.W.'s father betrays them, trading their hiding place for his son’s safety. Thus, the history of lawlessness and the love of the young couple comes to an end.

Their desperate flight driven by love and the record of reckless crimes were the tragic byproducts of the despair that the Great Depression had instilled in the younger generation.