Ōbayashi's optimism is infectious, as is his belief in cinema as a powerful tool of expression. No, scratch that, describing cinema as a "tool" in the context of Labyrinth of Cinema strips away its humanity. Like Casting Blossoms to the Sky, Ōbayashi's patriotism is never without acknowledgement of Japan's sordid history because, in order to create peace, that recognition is necessary. An overwhelming experience, I had a smile on my face the entire time.