Watch Call Boy

Call Boy is a 2018 Japanese erotic drama movie directed by Daisuke Miura, starring Sei Matobu, Ami Tomite, and Kenta Izuka. The movie revolves around Ryoichi, a 21-year-old student, who works as a "call boy" to fund his studies. Ryoichi, played by Kenta Izuka, provides sexual services to women, ranging from housewives to lonely singles, and older professional women, satisfying their sexual desires and fantasies for a fee.

The movie is set in Tokyo, where the hustle and bustle of city life is well-represented, and the characters' stories are interwoven into the story seamlessly. Ryoichi's life as a call boy is shown in detail, and his interactions with his clients, his hesitations and uncertainties about his profession are portrayed vividly. In contrast, Ryoichi's personal life is bleak, and his relationship with his girlfriend is strained.

As the story progresses, Ryoichi's mid-term exams approach, but his erratic schedule as a call boy disrupts his studies, and he is unable to concentrate. His girlfriend suggests that he stop working as a call boy, but the lure of the easy money it brings is too strong for him to ignore. He continues to work as a call boy and grows more confident in his abilities.

The story takes a dramatic turn when Ryoichi is hired by an older woman, named Momoko, played by Sei Matobu, who is married but unhappy in her relationship. Her husband is distant and cold towards her, and she yearns for emotional intimacy, which Ryoichi provides. Unlike his other clients, Momoko pays Ryoichi just to talk to her, and their conversations develop into a bond which transcends the physical realm.

Call Boy delves into the complexities of human relationships, desires and loneliness, and how they intertwine to form intricate patterns. Moments of intense intimacy and vulnerability shared between characters are captured in a poignant and realistic manner. The movie also exposes the power dynamics between men and women in sex work and how their roles can be reversed. It portrays Ryoichi as not just a sexual object but also someone who provides emotional support, care and affection to his clients.

The acting in Call Boy is commendable, with Kenta Izuka's portrayal of Ryoichi being the highlight of the movie. He is convincing in his role, capturing the nuances of the character's psyche, vulnerabilities and strengths. Sei Matobu's portrayal of Momoko is subtle and nuanced, imbuing the character with a melancholic aura. Ami Tomite, who plays Ryoichi's girlfriend, portrays the character's struggle to understand and accept Ryoichi's profession in a relatable manner.

The movie's direction and cinematography are outstanding, with Miura's vision coming to life in the visceral portrayal of Tokyo's crowded streets, depicting the lives of people living in the city. The music and sound design enhance the movie's theme, bringing a sense of intensity to the scenes. The sex scenes in the movie are explicit, but they are not the focus of the movie, nor are they gratuitous in nature. They are essential to the story and are portrayed in a realistic and vulnerable manner.

In conclusion, Call Boy portrays the lives of people living on the fringes of society who are trying to make ends meet in a city that never sleeps. It shows how individuals seek solace, intimacy and companionship in unconventional ways and how open sexuality can develop genuine emotional bonds. The movie's poignant portrayal of human relationships, sexuality and loneliness makes it a must-watch for anyone interested in introspective cinema.