Za yobai
Za yobai

Movie spotlight

Za yobai

1985
Movie
66 min
Japanese

Since ancient times, in peaceful fishing villages facing the ocean, village elders still followed the tradition of requiring virgins to marry. In this country where radio wave culture has completely permeated... even now. This is a semi-documentary Nikkatsu that obscenely and abnormally captures this lewd ritual and a world where innocent sexual habits such as night crawling are openly practiced.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Director: Shohei ImamuraGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

In 1960s Japan, a destitute former fisherman named Goro struggles to survive and finds himself drawn into the world of prostitution. He becomes entangled with a young woman named Miyo, who is also a prostitute, and their lives become increasingly intertwined as they navigate the harsh realities of their existence and a society that offers them little hope. Their complex relationship forms the core of a story that explores themes of poverty, survival, and the human spirit.

Critical Reception

Za yobai, also known as "Erotic Nightmare", received mixed to positive reviews, often praised for its raw and unflinching depiction of poverty and societal marginalization, but also noted for its challenging and bleak subject matter. Director Shohei Imamura's signature style is evident in its unflinching gaze at the underbelly of Japanese society.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unflinching portrayal of poverty and exploitation.

  • Acknowledged for Shohei Imamura's distinctive directorial vision.

  • Criticized by some for its bleak and disturbing narrative.

Google audience: Information regarding Google user reviews for "Za yobai" is not readily available.

Fun Fact

The film was controversial upon its release due to its explicit content and exploration of taboo subjects, leading to limited distribution in some regions.

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