Cast
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Machiko Ohtani
as Miyuki
Erina Miyai
as Female Doctor
Asami Ogawa
as Toshie Imamura
Jun Aki
as Kuniko AndΓ΄
Koshiro Asami
as Makoto Terashima
Hiroshi Fujino
as Seiji Yamagami
Hiroshi Gojo
as Teacher Ishikawa
Tatsuya Hamaguchi
as Fumihiko Sugihara
Mayuko Hino
as Chiyoko
Beniko Iida
as Taeko
Shoko Sakamaki
as Akiko Sugihara
Katsuhisa Shinoda
as Shinji Tanabe
Haruka Tajima
as Chiharu Yamakura
Crew
Director
- Shinichi Shiratori
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Extracurricular Activities: Almost Ripe represents a fascinating example of Romance cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Shinichi Shiratori brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1978, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Extracurricular Activities: Almost Ripe took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 70 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 109 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 106 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1978, when this film was released:
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Extracurricular Activities: Almost Ripe shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Influence of Sex on Dieting, which focuses more on action than character development, Extracurricular Activities: Almost Ripe subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Exotic Adventures of Jack & Jill and Addicted to Love explore similar territory, Extracurricular Activities: Almost Ripe stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 24, 1978
- Runtime: 1h 10m
