(Maruhi) shikijô mesu ichiba

I for one always loved Japanese film, especially cult art house films that involve go against the grain stories. This erotic and intimate 1974 film one that I know as "The Oldest Profession" was certainly for sure entertaining and a kinky and eye opening watch. It follows the story of Tome(Meika Seri) a young and eager street smart sex worker who works the shops and businesses of Osaka, Japan. Aside from the wild and go get it living she deals with her insecure mother(who's also in the business) and her mentally disabled younger brother is a wild card like character of the film. Really thru it all this film is a journey a struggle and ride of survival it's a watch for any film buff who enjoys the Japanese cinema and has a taste for intimate erotic like pictures.

A good movie to show anyone who thinks there's even a glimmer of "Pretty Woman" in streetwalking. This movie shows an underbelly of Japan unlike that which you will see anywhere else. Trash in the streets; drunks at the curb; prostitutes openly propositioning men; pimps stealing other pimps' prostitutes; inter-generational prostitute families; all this and a lot more than you'll see (or that I've seen) in multiple trips to Japan (or Osaka) . With all this, it's a really good movie as long as you can tough it out. There are a few themes that go far, far outside the regular lanes of dramatic films, but that fit into the characters here. But let me assure you, not a "date night" movie. Worth seeking out.

Having seen many films on the subject of prostitution, I can honestly say that "She Beast Market" is one of the most harrowing and bleak examinations of the subject. Sordid and sleazy, but somehow never exploitative, "Beast Market" focuses on 2 young women involved in the life of street prostitution. One girl is rather new to the scene, and therefore has retained a kind of naive innocence, while the second girl is much more jaded, and hardened by the life. One girl maintains hope that she will escape her brutal reality, while the second girl is completely resigned to this life. We also are witness to one of the most extreme cases of 'mother/daughter' competition, as the one girl's mother is also a prostitute, who is quite bitter and jealous of her daughter's youth and beauty. The two women despise each other and make no secret of the fact.

This movie covers it all; sadomasochistic johns, incest, back alley abortions, mental illness, and ultimately death for one tortured soul. The reason the production never seems exploitative is the fact that the sexual content, is so unpleasant, and the subject matter so incredibly grim..I can't imagine anyone being titillated by what is happening on screen, even though the sex is quite graphic at times. The most impressive thing about "Beast Market" is probably it's starkly beautiful black & white photography, which perfectly compliments the bleak storyline and landscape. Seedy apartments, sleazy bars and shadowy alleys come to life when photographed with this gritty black & white film stock. This is also a very sad movie, and I didn't expect to become so involved in the stories of these character. Certainly a masterpiece of it's genre, this is a very rare and obscure title, that should be seen by any fan of art house cinema, if the opportunity comes their way. Highly recommended.

And vice versa - no pun intended. You could argue about the way into prostitution, about being paid to have intercourse - and why people would do it. On both sides, as in those who are offering and those who take up the offer. But I think we agree it is better to have that, instead of people being frustrated sexually.

Of course there are many things that have to be taken into account. How especially women (and this shines a light on women who make up most of the "players" globally) are being exploited - money and otherwise. Of course the movie shines a light on that - and is not afraid to go nude! I did not expect this from a movie of this age. On the other hand, there was nudity allowed in the 70s so ... still quite risque takes we see from time to time. Nothing explicit, but some may have issues with what is shown. Just a fair "warning" for the sensitive souls amongst us.

That all said, the movie is a really good character study. Showing highs and lows of a life ... "chosen" ... the black and white cinematography is helping heightening a lot ... taking it to a different level.