After a month of largely viewing Eastern European cinema, I got in the mood to dig into the mountain of Asia cinema waiting to be played. Having found the Nikkatsu Noir's I've seen to be outstanding,I decided to see their fingers turn to Roman Porno.
Note:Some spoilers in review.
View on the film:
Pickpocketing characters who would have been on the wrong side of the tracks in Nikkatsu Noir from a decade earlier, the screenplay by co-writer/(with Tatsumi Kumashiro) director Toru Murakawa slots them all into the Roman Porno genre with ease,via loner Yuki becoming entangled with each two-bit thief on the street, whilst the cops look over her shoulders as Yuki learns the moves of thrives. Told "The ceremony is over" (classy!) the writers neatly blend the skin flick antics with the Noir/crime thrills via Yuki's loss of innocence also leading to a loss of any doubt on staying in the petty underworld.
Appearing to be illegally filmed outdoors, (the odd passing member of the public looks into camera) director Murakawa & cinematographer Shinsaku Himeda brush a Pop-Art shine on the flick with rapid whip-pans, reflecting pans along windows reflecting Yuki's view,and closely-held hand-held tracking shots following the pickpocketing in the middle of a bustling city. Whilst offering all the naked Yuki you could want, Murakawa displays a subtle touch to the sex scenes, going from dark shadows and lingering close-ups on Yuki's face, to glossy, glamour showcases for Yuki's love of crime and Taku. Joined by Ichiro Araki as the swaggering with dark glasses, street-smart Taku, Hiroko Isayama gives a terrific turn as Yuki, thanks to Isayama pulling at Yuki's anxieties until they snap to Yuki's embrace of Taku and crime with her delicate skilful fingers.
