Cast
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Rena Kuroki
as Satomi Kuramochi
Kiriko Shimizu
as Misa Tsuboucji
Naomi Oka
as Kiyoko Sakai
Rina Awashima
as Yoshie
Takanobu Eguchi
as Daisuke Kuramochi
Akira Hanaue
as Kishimoto
Katsuhiko Ito
as Man B
Keisuke Maruyama
as Big man
Masayoshi Nogami
as Middle-aged Man
Keita Sasaki
as Masahiko
Kazuo Satake
as Anjô
Keijirō Shiga
as Kusama
Hajime Tanimoto
as Syôhei Tsubouchi
Crew
Director
- Nobuaki Shirai
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Apartment Wife: Body Hell examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Nobuaki Shirai 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1985, 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 Apartment Wife: Body Hell took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 62 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 100 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1985, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Apartment Wife: Body Hell shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Promiscuous Wife's Sexuality: Pleasure Hunting, which focuses more on action than character development, Apartment Wife: Body Hell subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Jokōsei torio: seikan shiken and Cruel Bondage Picture Legend explore similar territory, Apartment Wife: Body Hell 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: February 2, 1985
- Runtime: 1h 2m
