Antiporno

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?

I am pleased to announce that my very first encounter with the filmmaker Sion Sono has left a lasting impression on me. I have always appreciated unconventional and absurdist perspectives, particularly those that boldly critique the dualities and hypocrisies inherent in our society.

"Antiporno" serves as a courageous commentary on art, pornography, patriarchy, and the ingrained exploitation present in each of these realms. The story explores the intricate notions of power, freedom, and identity, specifically for women; concepts for whom are often shaped and distorted by media, men, and societal biases.

The narrative unfolds through the character of Kyoko, a brash and sexually liberated young artist whose abrupt plunge into a state of helpless paranoia employs the 'unreliable narrator' trope. And this approach effectively blurs the line between nightmarish imagination and unbearable reality, adding considerably to the film's intrigue.

However, the limited screen time and insufficient exploration of the supporting characters prevented me from rating the film higher.

If like me, you're not as aware to the medium or rather genre this is a love letter to (no pun intended), you may miss certain things this nods to. Having said that, most things are apparent or at least as crazy as you'd expect them in a Sion Sono movie. Hard to grasp entirely and apprently just one of about 8 things he worked on in that year ... this is almost mind blowing.

Color and framing, the set up, everything that is put in here (or rather out there), works quite nicely. While overall I felt the title works like when you call a movie an Anti War movie - you still get war and scenes of mayhem and fighting, but they are supposed not to excite you. I would argue the same is true for this. Lots of nudity, lots of craziness. If you can deal with that and the fact there is a lot of breaking the fourth wall ... and intimidation and punishment and ... not so much arousment - you're going to be fine. Just fine

Well, let's say... it's not simple at all. You need to know some works of Japanese cinematography and paths they leads, 'cause otherwise Anchiporuno will be a big pile of trash with screaming naked girls and messed storyline. Actually it is. But digging deeper expose another level - a brilliant poetic style and very sensual emotion, just like dissonance sonates in early XX's. It's a searching, passion, movement and goal of what's happens in the movie.

Plus naked screaming girls. Don't forget, this is important.

Or just I think so.

I don't think that it has some message, pointing to sexual problems of Japanese society (but if you find it, that's okay, I'm not judging), rather uncertain sense of madness binding by personal disorder. Sexual ego jumping upside down, but in some kind of wild baroque dance.

Awesome.

When you're watching works by Sion Sono you can't just rate it in half-ten stars or seven, or any other way, you either catch his wave or spit on the screen in agony. This one is a perfect Sono- catching.

P.S. Mariko Tsutsui acting is 10/10.

I exist. I exist here. I know I exist. I exist, but not today. Today comes constantly. It'll come until I die. But I don't exist today. We don't exist in the todays we've lost. It appears as if we do, but we don't.

You wake up from a nightmare where your life is just a character evolving on stage, for the amusement of others. But you wake up. To reality. Or ... are you still on stage? If yes... where is the exit? Where?

An item that appears repeatedly throughout the movie gets a very strong meaning at the end of it. A lizard who grew too big to ever get out of the bottle he's in! Where's the exit? Where?

Antiporno is not a porn movie. It contains some nudity scenes, vulgar language and many shocking scenes. And color. A lot of color sometimes. Liquid even. But besides, it's hard to say what it is. Perhaps for someone more familiar with the work of Japanese director Sion Sono, things are clearer. It is a symbolic film, requiring an effort to understand it. And I believe that a profound knowledge of Japanese society is indispensable.