This film is five years old now and it still stands up. The story puts us straight into the world of schoolgirl life in Japan in the middle 90's and it is a convincing portrayal. You don't need any previous knowledge of Yakuza, the problem of teenage prostitution or Japan's sex industry to enjoy this film because the story tells you what you need to know and does so without getting bogged down in exposition. In the hands of another director, this could surely have been a voyeuristic film but Harada is more interested in illustrating the motivations of all the characters and has brought out some great performances. Hitomi Sato, in particular, is outstanding as Junko
At times, this film feels very authentic- the girls talking 100 miles an hour at a coffee shop and the scouts working the streets of Shibuya - but many of the scenes are more stylized set-ups which helps the film take aim on a wider range of targets. So we see a war criminal, a political rebel turned mobster, violence in the shape of an ordinary man and glimpses of political corruption, With these, we understand a bit more of the world that these girls are growing into, the world which shaped them.
This film gives a view of Japan which is rarely given serious treatment and is definitely recommended to anyone hoping to get more understanding of the country. For film lovers, its a chance to enjoy some great acting and a talented director getting into his stride.
At times, this film feels very authentic- the girls talking 100 miles an hour at a coffee shop and the scouts working the streets of Shibuya - but many of the scenes are more stylized set-ups which helps the film take aim on a wider range of targets. So we see a war criminal, a political rebel turned mobster, violence in the shape of an ordinary man and glimpses of political corruption, With these, we understand a bit more of the world that these girls are growing into, the world which shaped them.
This film gives a view of Japan which is rarely given serious treatment and is definitely recommended to anyone hoping to get more understanding of the country. For film lovers, its a chance to enjoy some great acting and a talented director getting into his stride.