AI Generated Review Summary
The Oldest Profession, directed by Noboru Tanaka, is a critically acclaimed independent film from Japan, praised for its powerful portrayal of resilient women in the sex industry. Limited to 2,000 units, this special edition includes a spot gloss slipcover and English subtitles. Available exclusively on the Film Movement website and select indie retailers.
Review topics: [quality, looks, packaging, performances, work, release, film, movie, features, tone, drama, porno, professionals, anthology, director, transfer, filmmakers, flick, watch, cinema, buy].
Reviews
Excellent Film, but a Tough Watch
"I enjoyed The Oldest Profession and would recommend it with some caveats. The subject matter gets dark, and oftentimes disturbing or depressing. There was one scene toward the end that had my jaw drop. It was very effective emotionally, and left me bummed out for a while. On the other hand, there were positive things like the use of color. For the most part the movie is shot in black and white, but almost akin to The Wizard of Oz, there is a scene where Noboru Tanaka makes effective use of color that brought my mood back up. The film isn't for the faint of heart, but if you know what you're getting into and are ok with that, it is a film worth your time. The film has a nice, yet simple, slipcover and also includes a booklet with photos from production as well as an essay!"
— Noah C. (5/5)
FMC-010 SLIP
"This is not your average pink/roman porno film, but a very downbeat and bleak drama about the downside of prostitution in Japan. Director Noboru Tanaka ("A Woman Called Sada Abe", "The Watcher in the Attic") directs with a lot of skill and creates some beautiful imagery. The transfer on this new release by Film Movement is excellent, although I could not find any mentioning of the source for the restoration. The sole on-disc special feature is a fantastic 15 minute video essay by the awesome Jasper Sharp, who is one of the leading experts on Japanese cinema. He delivers a lot of insightful context to the film and its place in the genre. The classy and well designed artwork rounds out a great release, which come shighly recommended."
— Dominik F. (5/5)
A Tough Film, Given a Respectful Release
"This Release feels carefully handled, especially for a film this blunt and emotionally heavy. The Tone is not easy or sensational in the usual exploitation sense; it is sad, harsh, and strangely humane. The Features add useful context without overexplaining the film, which makes the disc feel like more than just a curiosity."
— JIN L. (5/5)
One of the oldest classics
"1974 gritty film from director Noboru Tanaka. It's a drama about the hard life of an "easy" woman, this masterpiece of japanese cinema depicts the atrocious situations that a sex worker has to go through to go ahead. The release from Film Movement Classics brings back an obscure and very human tale."
— Carlos R. (5/5)
The Oldest Profession
"The Oldest Profession (1967) is a wonderfully odd anthology that brings together six different takes on prostitution across history, with each segment offering its own blend of comedy, satire, and period flavor. The film benefits enormously from its eclectic cast and the contrasting styles of directors such as Claude Autant-Lara, Mauro Bolognini, Philippe de Broca, Michael Pfleghar, and Jean-Luc Godard, whose contributions range from playful farce to more eccentric, experimental territory. Some segments are definitely stronger than others, but that inconsistency is part of the fun, and the film remains an entertaining snapshot of mid-century European and American cinema tackling its subject with a mischievous sense of humor. It’s a strange, stylish, and occasionally hilarious curiosity that should appeal to fans of vintage anthology films and international cinema."
— Neal L. (5/5)
FMC
"FMC has been on a roll with these Japanese releases. Really dark look at the oldest profession. Genius filmmaking and informative extras."
— Tony Z. (5/5)
Great Film
"Gritty, lonely, sexy. This film really pushes boundaries. If you appreciate art and aren’t prude this may be a film for you."
— Ismael F. (5/5)
Would Love More of This!
"I hope there are more Roman Porno films coming out soon from OCN. The tone of this one is much more serious than most, but what really sets it apart are the serious performances from everyone involved. It's clear that the filmmakers had a specific story they wanted to tell and they did a great job here!"
— Douglas M. (5/5)
Highly regarded film
"Just don't expect a drive in movie. Not always impressed with VS slipcover art but this one nails it."
— Mitchell Y. (5/5)
A fascinating and elegant anthology
"The Oldest Profession is a very interesting anthology with a strong sense of style and a great lineup of directors. Like most anthology films, some segments worked better for me than others, but the overall concept and variety made it a really worthwhile watch. It is playful, clever, and full of historical and visual charm. A very nice release for a genuinely unique film."
— Thomas L. (5/5)
