During a press conference for the film The Wild Bunch, a female journalist expressed concern over the graphic violence portrayed, questioning the necessity of depicting so much blood. Her emotional reaction prompted actor Ernest Borgnine to respond with a thought-provoking statement, emphasizing that gun violence inherently involves bloodshed. This exchange reflects the stark realities of life, particularly in the context of the film's release amid the Vietnam War.

Murakami highlights this interaction to explore deeper themes of reality and acceptance. He suggests that confronting uncomfortable truths, like violence and its consequences, is part of understanding the complexities of life. The straightforward acknowledgment of blood in the context of shooting serves as a metaphor for facing harsh realities and embracing the difficult aspects of human existence.