For those interested in learning about the dark side of the adult film industry in Japan, this is a must-watch film with valuable insights.
When asked about the unique elements of Japan, many people would mention things like tea ceremony, manga and anime, traditional clothings, and other unique cultures. Yet, there’s another thing extremely popular, the adult film industry.
The industry of Japanese Adult Videos (hereinafter referred to as JAV), is incredibly widespread and generates huge profits. However, behind the dazzling glitz, there are many issues that went unmentioned. With the aim of drawing attention to these dark sides, director Takahisa Zeze created “The Lowlife”, where he provides viewers with a different perspective on the lives of unpopular JAV actresses, who struggle behind the camera lens.
It is a well-known fact that many young girls become adult film actresses because they were deceived and then treated terribly by their agencies. Of course, like with the rest of the entertainment industry, there are a lot of “unspoken rules” in the JAW world, yet “The Lowlife” does not explore these aspects. Instead, the film addresses the suffering that the actresses must endure when working in a profession despised by society.
The three main characters in the film, Miho (Ayano Moriguchi), Ayano (Kokone Sasaki), and Takako (Saki Takaoka), all willingly enter the industry. They pursue a JAV career for different reasons.
Miho is a woman approaching 35, who has no children, and is living a bland life with her perfect but workaholic husband. She longs for a real family and a summer vacation, but whenever Miho brings up the subject, her husband always gives the same answer, “let’s talk about it later”. Disappointed and wanting to find something new for her monotonous days, Miho decides to star in adult films.
Meanwhile, Ayano is a young girl with an unhappy childhood. She has a bad relationship with her family and always feels inferior. Ayano once said she was” the worst of her sisters”, and adult films are not only a way for Ayano to make a living, but also a job that helps her find happiness.
Unlike Miho and Ayano, Takako used to work in the adult film industry but retired long ago. Now, she lives aimlessly, letting herself go and depending on her elderly mother. The storyline about Takako does not primarily focus on this character. Instead, the audience sees the pain and torment that Ayaka (Aina Yamada), the daughter of a former porn actress, must go through.
Miho, Ayano, and Takako come to JAV through different paths. Nevertheless, all of them must endure heavy emotional turmoil caused by society’s prejudices and contempt against their career.
Top-notch acting from the cast
“The Lowlife” is a psychological film. Therefore, its utmost aim is to convey the different emotional states of each character in a subtle yet understandable manner. And such a mission was perfectly executed by the high quality cast, particularly by actresses Kokone Sasaki, Aina Yamada, and Ayano Moriguchi.
Ayano is a strong-willed JAV actress who struggles with the judgment and lack of understanding from those around her, especially her own family. In “The lowlife”, Kokone Sasaki brings a refreshing and bright energy to Ayano, showing that even adult film stars can feel shy and giddy when they meet someone they like, like the charming editor, Hibino.
Aina Yamada portrays the raw and insecure emotions of a high school student whose mother’s past in the adult film industry is exposed. Ayako chooses to run away from the pain when the whole school’s eyes are on her.
The brightest star in “The lowlife” is Ayano Moriguchi, who plays the complicated role of Miho, a woman trapped in a monotonous cycle and desperately trying to break free. She turns to JAV as a form of escape, but also struggles with the guilt of betraying her husband.
The pain and suffering that Miho endures amplifies when she films while taking care of her sick father. While doing a bed scene with a co-star she just met, her father passes away, and she can’t be with him during his last moments.
Flaws in the story, too many explicit scenes that spark controversy
While “The lowlife” tackles an intriguing topic and boasts good acting, the film falls short in tying up loose ends and resolving issues in a satisfying way. The stories of Miho and Ayano leave the audience yearning for closure.
In Miho’s case, she couldn’t bear the weight of her guilt and eventually confessed everything to her husband. However, his only reaction was discomfort, leaving Miho to deal with her emotions alone.
As for Ayano’s, there was no satisfying conclusion to the relationship between her and Hibino, leaving viewers hanging with unanswered questions. Will they ever find happiness together? Or will their love remain unfulfilled?
One thing to note is that “The lowlife” features many explicit scenes, surpassing even Cha Joo Young’s uncensored topless scene in “The Glory”. This has sparked mixed reactions among viewers, with some calling for empathy and understanding for JAV actresses, while others believe that everyone must take responsibility for their choices and deal with the consequences.
Despite its flaws, “The lowlife” is a thought-provoking film that sheds light on a controversial industry and the people who work in it. It encourages viewers to question their biases and beliefs and consider the complexities of human nature.
Source: k14.
