Anchiporuno

I sat down here in 2023 to watch the 2016 Japanese drama "Anchiporuno" (aka "Antiporno") for the first time ever. Actually, I had never even heard about the movie prior to watching it, so I didn't know what I was in for, nor did I have any expectations to writer and director Sion Sono. All that mattered here was the fact that it was a Japanese movie that I hadn't already seen.

Well, this movie was definitely something else. First of all, then Sion Sono certainly managed to deliver a movie that was fully and wholly unpredictable. Just as you start to think you got it figured out, then the movie goes off in a whole new direction. And that was actually a good thing, because you never knew where you would be lead by writer and director Sion Sono.

The storyline in "Anchiporuno" is somewhat of an acquired taste, though. And that makes the movie somewhat of a niche movie. And by that I mean that "Anchiporuno" is not a movie that will appeal to the general audience. Nay, this is somewhat of an acquired taste. I found the storyline to be interesting though, because it was so different and unique.

The acting performances in the movie were good. The only familiar face on the cast list for me was Mariko Tsutsui (playing Noriko). It should be said that they had a good ensemble of actresses and actors, and they brought the characters to life on the screen in an enjoyable way.

You should take heed though, that "Anchiporuno" does contain its share of nudity and adult scenes, so this is not a movie suitable for just everyone.

If you enjoy niche movies and movies that stand out as being unique, then you certainly should take into consideration giving Sion Sono's 2016 movie "Anchiporuno" a chance.

My rating of "Anchiporuno" lands on a six out of ten stars.

This movie is such a complicated critique on not only Japan's Roman porno industry but on the society and culture that gave rise to it and where that culture stands now in the 21st century. It is as complicated as all good art and the twists and turns will confuse and provoke even viewers who are familiar with the history of the genre and the culture. It has a lot to say but what you understand from it is quite open to interpretation... or is it? Full of symbols and symbolism, with meaning that is changed as quickly as it is attached. In the end it is a piece of art... or the most existential porno ever made?

Okay it's a given that Sion Sono is an alien. He's crazy. Strange. There are no rules, boundaries, with him. That's why we love him.

This movie didn't just break the 4th wall. This movie broke my stomach linings. I want to puke, vomit, throw up. Gross. I'm not just into this stuff. I know we were about to see porn-ish here but man I'm not just into woman-to-woman action. There's just a bad taste in my mouth after watching this. So my bias here would be evident. But I'll try to be ahem, objective.

What I love about Sion Sono is he doesn't just overwhelm you, he will really outdo your expectations. Time to build a shrine for him. Women and feminists, let's hold hands. Brace yourselves before watching this because you might want to hold on to a Rosary.

Ami Tomite, the lead, as Kyoko, was well utilized here. Her insane monologue at the beginning of the film, with a classical piece as background, showcased her versatility (and her privates too). A lonely artist who ambitions to be a whore. ????. I hope IMDb doesn't censor this,the movie itself says that word. Question marks everywhere but you need to get past that. She vomits a lot here too.

She lives a light in the limelight. Her secretary, Noriko, knocks on the door, reciting her schedule for the day. Kyoko transforms into a sadist master who exploits her slave. She's about to have an interview. The crew enters the scene. Noriko goes full nude. Kyoko remains insane. I just can't at this point, I thought of bailing out.

But I'm glad I didn't. Let's get past the nudity (but I still can't with my virgin eyes!!!!!!). Kyoko is a sad young woman. Her family and past has forced her to enter this industry. There's a notable family dinner scene that will just send you laughing, facepalming, or cursing Sono for his genius.

The movie puts a lot of colors, both literal and figurative. It looks like its set on just one setting, with just walls separating the different acts but there's really a lot of questions and deep themes presented here. Exploitation can very well define this movie. Both the innate theme and on its surface, well, I would say in a way the actresses here were made to do whatever they did. I believe there are a lot of symbolism here but you can put it which way you deem fit. And I'm not the most knowledgeable person to narrate what deep themes are being symbolised here. You'll feel it when you watch this.

The movie has a short runtime but the impact it leaves will linger for long.

First off, this is one crazy film. Not altogether surprising as the Japanese films we get to see in the UK have a tendency to be pretty crazy and this being a film by Sion Sono, we should not be surprised if it is double crazy. Ami Tomite is beautiful and scary, skimpily dressed and nude but always shouting. Unless she is on the receiving end that is because things do change around a bit here. Lest we get too comfortable with her ordering others to strip and perform as a whore or a dog, it is being done to her. For fun or for the cameras, because there is also a film crew within the film. They also seem pretty crazy and in case we should get the impression that this is lots of sex and violence just for the sake of it, there is a devastating message hear that basically concludes that Japanese men will never allow Japanese women to be anything other than a dog or a whore. Nice!

In 2016's "Antiporno" we are introduced to Kyoko who is a renowned artist and her assistant Noriko. You immediately get a sense of what kind of person Kyoko is and how she behaves towards others. She is a psychotic lunatic and she loves to humiliate others for fun. There are lots of weird scenes and the movie mostly takes place in a colorful room with some paintings and a poorly decorated interior. The movie also contains lots of nudity and sexual content which is one of the main traits the movie deals with. Then there is a sudden turn of events which completely turns the movie upside down and gives you a new perspective to look at. After some time you also get a glimpse in to the mind of Kyoko and what events had lead her to the current situation. The movie is certainly equipped with a deeper meaning and a message but that alone doesn't make a good movie. To be honest, most of the time I was looking at the screen not knowing what the movie is trying to tell me. There are lots of weird scenes with lots of screaming and sexual talk involved and in the end the movie did not succeed as is source of entertainment and that is what I'm looking for when I watch a movie. [3,8/10]