(aka 'Love and Pop')

 

directed by Hideaki Anno
Japan 1998

"Wow... what a film. I got the feeling that I was witness to a new revolution in cinema - sure Kiarostami did the DV-cam mounted on the dashboard (for 'Ten'), but this is way beyond that. Obtuse, inventive camera angles - varying aspect ratios, kinetic editing - what a ride!

 

Now the story - After watching Bounce Ko Gals  I was more than intrigued as to this cultural phenomenon in Japan called 'assisted dating'. What happens is people (in our story - young females) essentially find ways to prostitute themselves for material goods without actually performing sex (some of them don't). They communicate through voice-mail boxes and seemingly everyone has a cell phone. They arrange to meet and what we witness in both Bounce Ko Gals and 'Love and Pop' are perverse objectification of Japanese high school girls. A country that has seen women historically treated as second class citizens, now puts them on a pedestal... just to look up their skirts! Often the men don't desire sex, but rather companionship and titillation through some rather bizarre acts (ex. making girls have chew grapes and spit them out ) . Essentially a curious but in the end very sad exploration of how this new phenomenon has confused and socially manipulated young Japanese women who fall prey to it. Trouble is, it is too easy to become seduced by it - act friendly to a grown-up for a while and get some money, clothes or presents. What a crazy message to be promoting. Folks this is not a clandestine operation - it is rampant in the large cities of Japan.

 

This is a strong 'art' film and not to everyone's tastes. It may cross personal boundaries, but is a very interesting and worthwhile viewing. I recommend it, pretty strongly. Its creativeness alone is awe inspiring -  out of                  

                       Gary W. Tooze

 

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DVD REVIEW: Kino - Region 1- NTSC