Cast
View AllAkari Kawaguchi
as Kazumi
Asuka Urano
as Asako
Mimi Sawaki
as Woman in the photo
Kumiko Chiba
as
Akihiro Takizawa
as Jun, a transvestite
Tatsuya Nagatomo
as Shinichi Maeda
Ippei Sasa
as
Shinji Kubo
as Asako's brother-in-law
Masayoshi Nogami
as
Kiyoshi Nakayama
as Sue Sei, a groper
Yojiro Takita
as Kan'ichiro Ozu, a groper
Yosuke Nishida
as Hiroshi Nishina, a groper
Crew
Director
- Akira Fukamachi
Producer
- Kan Mukai
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Groper's Last Train represents a fascinating example of 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 Akira Fukamachi 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 Groper's Last Train took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 61 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 110 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 2121 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 179 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1978, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Groper's Last Train shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Buchō no aijin: Pinku no sutokkingu, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Groper's Last Train subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Delicious Room Salon Service and Flirty-zel explore similar territory, Groper's Last Train stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 1, 1978
- Runtime: 1h 1m
