Overall rating: 4.714286 / 5 from 56 reviews.
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, buy, release, film, movie, professionals, anthology, cinema, director, watch, performances, features, drama, tone, porno, work, filmmakers].
"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!"
"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."
"This release of The Oldest Profession is a real treat: An outstanding transfer that brings remarkable clarity and nuance to Tanaka’s blend of drama and stylized eroticism. The movie makes a strong case for why Tanaka deserves to be discussed among Japan’s most daring and interesting of the Roman Porno filmmakers. The special features are excellent as usual, with contributions from Jasper Sharp and Alexander Fee, and comes with a booklet."
"A note-worthy film that looks fantastic. It is worth checking out. High quality slipcover."
"Brutal but masterful work from director Noburu Tanaka (Angel Guts Nami, Village of Doom). Out of all the pinku films I've seen, this is perhaps the most artistic and unique. Masterfully shot and has one of the best lead performances (from Meika Seri) I've seen. Emotionally impactful and will leave you not feeling the best. Highly recommended and one of my favorite releases from 2025."
"Very good release overall."
"Slipcover lush"
"Don't expect this to be as sweet or fluffy as the double feature Kani released. The Oldest Profession takes a melancholic, franker approach to its subject matter, arousal being a secondary concern. I think this had broader arthouse appeal due to its serious tone."
"Noboru Tanaka and ain't no slouch. This is quite an interesting Roman Porno (also known under its more circulated title of SECRET CHRONICLE: SHE BEAST MARKET) but whatever title it's being released in, I'm so glad it is. A fantastic discovery for adventurous filmgoers."
"The Oldest Profession (aka Confidential: Secret Market or (Maruhi) shikijô mesu ichiba) (1974) is unusual as it is part of Nikkatsu’s erotic film series but is shot save for one scene in black and white. The film is set in Osaka and the striking cinematography shows off its skyline and its seedier locations. The film follows the lives of two young women involved in prostitution. The first, Fumie (Junko Miyashita) is in love with Atsushi (Sakumi Hagiwara) but without a job they are desperate for money. Fumie reluctantly agrees to prostitute herself when a client negotiates a suitable price with Atsushi . From then on their lives spiral deeper into despair. The second woman and main character of the film is Tome (Meike Seri) who has been a prostitute from an early age as her mother Yone (Genshu Hanayagi) is also one, in fact they are usually in competition with each other which Yone resents bitterly as her ageing beauty is making her clients desert her for Tome. Tome has a younger brother, Saneo (Shiro Yumemura) who she looks after because he is mentally disabled and is always observing her activities. His curiosity leads to incest as she indulges in his sexual needs. This film is pretty bleak with all the characters facing a pessimistic future but it is an honest account of the subject matter and the acting and direction by Noboru Tanaka is exemplary. I would doubt there is a better film from Nikkatsu’s Roman Porno line. The Blu-ray disc by Film Movement has the film restored to excellent condition. The extras contain a video essay by Jasper Sharp and a booklet by Alexander Fee."
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