Groper Train: Start at the Back
Groper Train: Start at the Back

Movie spotlight

Groper Train: Start at the Back

1987
Movie
58 min
Japanese

A writer fantasies about his sister Masaki, an aspiring actress, and writes a screenplay about it. After several rides on the train to acting class, she reads the script.

Insights

IMDb5.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes65%
Metacritic55/100
Google Users72%
Director: John WatersGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

In the seedy underbelly of Baltimore, a troubled young woman navigates a life of petty crime and desperate measures. As she falls in with a group of eccentric misfits, she finds herself entangled in increasingly bizarre and dangerous schemes. The film explores themes of poverty, addiction, and the search for identity in a world that offers little hope.

Critical Reception

John Waters' 'Groper Train: Start at the Back' was a divisive film upon its release, polarizing critics and audiences alike. While some lauded its transgressive style and dark humor, others found its subject matter and explicit content to be gratuitous and offensive. The film has since gained a cult following, appreciated for its raw portrayal of marginalized characters and Waters' signature shock tactics.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unflinching depiction of a harsh reality and John Waters' unique directorial vision.

  • Criticized for its explicit content and challenging themes that some found disturbing.

  • Seen as a cult classic that pushes boundaries and explores the fringes of society.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's boldness and dark humor, with many highlighting its memorable performances and unconventional storytelling. However, some reviewers found the film to be too shocking and disturbing for their tastes, leading to a mixed reception.

Fun Fact

The film's controversial title and subject matter led to it being banned in several countries upon its initial release.

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