Watch Love Exposure

Love Exposure is a Japanese romantic-comedy and drama directed by Sion Sono, released in 2008. The movie tells the story of three teenagers, YÅ« Tsunoda (Takahiro Nishijima), Yoko (Hikari Mitsushima), and Koike (Sakura Ando), who discover that love can sometimes emerge in the most unexpected ways. The central character of the movie is YÅ« Tsunoda, who at the beginning of the film confesses to a priest that he has never truly loved anyone - this confession sets in motion a series of strange and fascinating events that take the viewer on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. YÅ« is the only son of a devout Catholic priest who is heartbroken after his wife leaves him. In search of a new wife, YÅ«'s father sets him on a quest to explore the world of sin, an experience that YÅ« initially finds morally repugnant.

The journey that YÅ« embarks on is both bizarre and fascinating. YÅ« begins to dress up as a girl in order to avoid the painful blows of his father's fists. In the process, he discovers a talent for upskirt photography and soon becomes an expert in taking pictures of unsuspecting women's underpants. When YÅ« meets his love interest, Yoko, the two form a strange and passionate relationship that defies all preconceptions of normal behavior.

The film is a long one, running over four hours in length, but despite its duration, it rarely flags. The cinematography is breathtaking, creating a surreal dream-like atmosphere that perfectly suits the strange and often fantastical storyline. Sono also manages to inject humor into the proceedings, with the character of Koike providing many of the film's more comedic moments.

The movie is divided into three parts, each around an hour and a half in length, with each section outlining a particular phase of YÅ«'s romantic journey. In this sense, the film is reminiscent of the traditional romantic comedy format, albeit with a decidedly Japanese twist. The film explores a wide range of themes, including religion, love, sexuality, and family.

Takahiro Nishijima delivers an excellent performance as YÅ«, perfectly capturing the character's internal conflict as he navigates a world filled with sin and temptation. Hikari Mitsushima is equally impressive as Yoko, bringing a quiet intensity to her part that perfectly balances with Nishijima's more flamboyant character.

Overall, Love Exposure is a fascinating exploration of love and what it means to be human. While some viewers may find the film's four-hour runtime daunting, those who stick with it are sure to be rewarded with a truly unique cinematic experience. The movie is a masterful combination of drama, comedy, and surrealism, resulting in a work of art that is both thought-provoking and deeply moving.

In conclusion, Love Exposure is a must-watch for anyone interested in Japanese cinema, although its unique blend of genres and themes will undoubtedly appeal to audiences of all nationalities. The film's long duration is not a deterrent, as its humor, heart, and surrealism make it worth every minute. Its innovative story and terrific performances make it a must-watch.