Antiporno (2016) User Reviews

Good Theme, Poor Execution

[razvan-rogoz · 5/10 · 26 June 2018]

I don't think it is a masterpiece.

Yes, I can understand the theme even if I'm not familiar with Japanese cinematography. There is a lot of symbolism and it acts as an abstract social commentary and I'm sure it resonates a lot better with the repressed Japanese society than it does with me.

However, this doesn't mean it is a good movie. A similar movie that breaks the fourth wall is Dogville. But that movie makes sense. The plot is interesting. There is coherence to it. It hits you hard, emotionally. The final scene feels right even if it is so wrong. It is a masterpiece compared to this.

This movie is a set of almost random scenes that are connected by an overall theme of feminine repression and sexuality and chaos. It's the movie that critics will look at and say "wow, this is so freakin' deep" when as an experiment in cinematography, is fine, but as a movie, fails dramatically.

Sure, you can think I'm a moron and that I don't understand conceptual cinematography and that this movie is not for a caveman like me. But I've seen similar movies and theatre and I don't mind the idea. The idea and concept are goods. The execution itself is flawed. I should have feel shocked or disgusted or thoughtful or anxious at the end and I'm not. I felt bored. I was asking myself "c'mon, when does this end?". The first part was interesting, especially breaking the fourth wall, but overall, I found it a waste of time.

'Antiporno' is visually rich, extravagant schizophrenia

[wickedmikehampton · 7/10 · 15 December 2020]

Director Sion Sono is prolific. He made 5 movies in 2015 alone. He's unique which is a helluva compliment in our whacky world. If I hadn't done research, I would never have guessed that the differing styles of the movies I watched belonged to the same director.

'Antiporno' is visually rich, extravagant schizophrenia. Can porn be anti-porn? In Sono's hands, yes!

It was insane, initially annoying but then absorbing with a helluva plot twist.

colourful flick about a whore

[trashgang · 7/10 · 16 January 2018]

For an Eastern flick it was rather short, only 78 minutes and not the usual over 2 hours flicks. Still, it's a very weird flick to watch. You are on a set of a porn flick but so much more is going on.

I was surprised of the full nudity without blurring. Not that much seen in those flicks. There's of course a lot of full frontal but it never becomes vulgar let's even say it's far away from porn. So I can understand that many are fooled by the title. Still it has bondage and domination and leather and dildo's being used but it's never explicit and the story makes it a rather weird one to watch.

There are no effects whatsoever used but the story is seen in a few weird ways and the daughter asking her dad to take her virginity away can be offending for some..

Gore 0/5 Nudity 2,5/5 Effects 0/5 Story 2,5/5 Comedy 0/5.

Sion Sono does it again

[plsletitrain · 4 July 2019]

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.

Wonderfully bizarre...

[paul_haakonsen · 6/10 · 14 January 2023]

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.

Sex in Japan (or How Not to Make a Porno)

[christian94 · 9/10 · 17 October 2016]

Anti-Porno is another mind-bender by prolific Japanese cult cinema director Sion Sono. The North American premiere had a sold out seating of intrigued moviegoers. Some liked it including myself and my Japanese-Canadian friend who speaks fluent Japanese and other utterly disliked this bizarre piece of cinema. Understandably, this is not for everybody and is definitely in the sexually charged vein of Strange Circus (2005) and Guilty Romance (2011) realm rather than palatable post-apocalyptic dramas like Himizu (2011) or Land of Hope (2012).

Sono is an artist and has one the most disparate notions of time for his movies with his two best, Cold Fish (2010) and Noriko's Dinner Table (2005), clocking around 150-160 mins, but Love Exposure (2008) rambling on at 240 mins, while Tag (2015) ticked by in 85 mins. The Whispering Star (2015) is only 100 mins but feels like years with sparse dialogue and landscapes, long slow takes and black & white interplanetary postal robot mood. Anti- Porno is his shortest here at 78 mins but packs a lot of tricks in a tight vision of lust and lost.

The movie starts with cute clichés and colourful art direction concerning sex and seduction in an S&M and bisexual tension kind of way. Add a toilet, a toy, other girls as audience / participants, a taunt and a twist!

Ami Tomite who also started in Sono's Tag (2015) and The Virgin Psychics (2015) plays the lead and seductress self-proclaimed whore. She is a superstar and has her assistant prepare her packed daily schedule, including a photo-shoot, but verbal abuse, nudity, submission, sex, slicing of wrists and depravity ensue. Take a photo-shoot and video of all this…

Then comes the role reversal and question of identity. Who is shooting who and playing who? Who is directing? Who is writing? Who is shooting a sex scene in the woods or in a room? Who is a whore and a virgin? How to emancipate ourselves? What is sex and what does it say about society and individuals?

This film raises many questions, is a welcome criticism of sex as a taboo and explores Japanese sexual repression and oppression specifically, but touches on worldly and beautiful themes with a mature, daring tone. The conversation of teenage girls and their parents at dinner table is priceless and unheard of. A necessary discussion of equals that makes you think while shocking your preconceived ideas about sex and parenting, even if you are a liberal!

Thank you Sono for again pushing the boundaries.

Lots of beauty and thoughts in this seemingly absurd and self- absorbed subtle sexual and mental exploration.

Japan 2016| 78 min | Festival du Nouveau Cinema | Japanese (English subtitles)

Twists and turns and breaks the rules

[nashw82 · 7/10 · 28 January 2021]

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?

Just because it has meaning it doesn't make it a good movie

[aronharde · 4/10 · 19 April 2024]

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]

this is one crazy film

[christopher-underwood · 8/10 · 15 May 2018]

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!

Antiporno

[frostbow · 6/10 · 8 June 2023]

Even more than other films by Sono Shion, this is an experimental one, breaking some conventions to create a particular experience. That means I can't really say anything about the plot without spoiling it.

But I can say that it has a female main character played by Tomite Ami, who acts out in a expressive way in some of the scenes. Another actress is Tsutsui Mariko, who has taken part in quite a few other movies and TV series.

The movie is short, only 76 minutes. The first ten minutes seemed slow and didn't give a good impression. The pace picks up after a while and a lot of stuff is covered.

The movie set is artsy, with strongly coloured walls and carefully placed symbolical objects. The set is well crafted, and the camera angles and editing seem meticulous. As in his other movies, classical music is played for good effect.

What made it less enjoyable was that it was hard to sympathize with the characters. The main character has a complex story and personality, but is not likable. Most of the other characters are single-minded and unpleasant.

Overall, the movie was interesting and memorable. But while it concentrated on exploring some ideas about psychology, it forgot making me feel like the story was a lived reality for a real woman.

A lot of color, but... where's the exit? Where?

[yomba · 8/10 · 7 September 2018]

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.

Misguided

[Neon_Gold · 6/10 · 16 June 2023]

There are interesting comments that are being made in here about sex, womanhood and cultural restraints. Because there isn't a conventional plot, you are left to interpret this in many different ways.

The most impactful parts for me were when it was discussing the hypocrisy of society when in comes to sex. It had the most successful impact.

Unfortunately, it's clear that this was wrote by a straight, cis man. It wants to portray its self as a feminist movie but in making this movie it falls into the same traps it's commenting on. There is basically 0% male nudity and I get the feeling it's not on purpose. It almost makes these points about gender but then is like "don't believe it, we will show you".

The colours were amazing tho. The whole film pops. I also enjoyed the acting from the lead.

In my opinion, I think this movie makes a lot of sense in the writers head but it just hasn't translated. It wrote checks it couldn't cash I think.

Definitely not a Marvel

[kim-de-form · 10/10 · 9 November 2017]

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.

Scene (stealer)

[kosmasp · 8/10 · 19 August 2020]

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

A view of the importance of pink films

[jawneyfloros · 10/10 · 5 November 2018]

Review: I really enjoyed this movie because it shows you that pink films will always be relevant and keeping the studio associated with pink films a float is very important. The direction and screenplay are both really good. Both the casting and acting are really good also. All in all I would give this five out of a possible five stars.

Sion Sono's "8½"

[anthonyf94 · 8/10 · 28 September 2019]

A colorful room (photographic chromatism is one of the most pleasant thing of this movie) is a kind of metaphysical and metacinematographic space. At first we understand it as a place of violence and delirium, with mad actions of a strange girl artist that enjoys violence and offences against her secretary. But at a certain moment we discover that the room is instead a cinematographic set of a film for adults.

At this point, roles are exchanged: the violent becomes the attacked and it starts to be shown the world beyond the film: the difficult relation of the main actress with the troupe and the difficult past with her family. Moreover, through this scenes we understand the reason that brought the protagonist to choose to become an actress, that are linked to the discovering of body, strange relation with parents and psychotic need of a relationship.

Consequently, the initial room shows all its stratification: place of violence and degraded relations; place of a set (in which rapports of violence are inverted); place of analysis of the past. Trait d'union is the condition of women in Japan, that explain the real deep question of the movie: affectivity is a kind of social nevrotic acting, and this generate desire because is hidden, frustration because it's negated, ipocricy because is adored and at the same time punished.

A deep metacinematographic exploration of body attraction and its role in society by Sion Sono, with precious shots that make the film a little masterpiece.

Colourful Chaos

[amirkhaw · 9/10 · 13 July 2023]

As part of a limited revival marking its 45th anniversary, Nikkatsu commissioned five movies to be made as part of the Roman Porno Reboot Project, following the same traditional concept as the 70s/80s series.

These include (ranked from best to worst):

Anti-Porno (2016) Aroused by Gymnopedies (2016) Wet Woman in the Wind (2016) White Lily (2016) Dawn of the Felines (2017)

Director Sion Sono has crafted a wonderfully artistic, colourful, and fourth-wall-breaking movie. On the surface, there is a lot of sex, nudity, and lush colours on display. But Anti-Porno is so much more than that (and no, it's not even remotely porn-ish).

If you dive a bit deeper, there's a great deal of symbolism and social commentaries to unravel. And I'll admit to not understanding everything, as I suspect much of it is directly related to Japanese culture and society. Is it about feminism, women emancipating themselves from men, questioning the derogative terms "dog" or "whore", empowering themselves in a male-dominated society, or something else? Kyoko's monologue at the beginning, for example, comes so thick and fast that you barely have time to process it all.

Anti-Porno is so crazy and bizarre that it's excited by itself. And that's a good thing. Sion Sono has a unique voice and the movie is visually eye-popping. It may be far too off-kilter for many, but the niche art-house crowd will lap it up.

Beautifully shot and acted...

[tccandler · 8/10 · 11 November 2021]

Ami Tomite is fantastic in the lead role of this subversive Sion Sono film that analyzes Japans relationship with female sexuality and free speech. It is not for everyone, but this film should be seen by lovers of the feminine aesthetic and the surreal.