AllMovie

Black-and-white photography gives way to color at the end of this film about the class struggle of menial laborers. Although the law has made the people free, they experience prejudice from teachers, authorities and fellow countrymen as they fight for their rights in a changing Japan. The underclass eventually wins a prized flag for hosing down a lantern in a contest, but the upper class won't let them have it. Comedy ensues as they stage a mock fight for the flag in this serio-comic look at class struggles and stereotypes.