While sitting through the multi-faceted programing schedule of Fantastic Fest, you’re bound to experience a full spectrum of genres ranging anywhere from the mildly fantastic to the outrageously crude. However probably the most interesting genre I have managed to stumble across thus far, is a Japanese sub-genre known as ‘Pink’ films.
I’m going to assume you are just about as far in the dark as I was at the time, and take a minute to explain to you all just exactly what a Pink film is.
You remember those late night cable programs? You know, the ones that you had to sneak out into the living room after your parents went to sleep just to glimpse? Well it’s kind of like that, but with a strong dose of comedic debauchery that only the Japanese could create. It would be easy to just pass the Pink films off as simple softcore pornography, but they are in essence a lot more than that. Sure, there are a few scattered sex scenes with partial nudity, but at their core, these movies can often have some wonderful narratives filled with some prime comedic material, and this is exactly what you will find with Underwater Love.
Shinji Imoako’s film follows the story of a 35 year old fish factory worker, who is forced to re-evaluate her recent engagement when a formerly deceased classmate of hers returns in the form of a half man half turtle creature known as a Kappa. Add the fact that a cross-dressing god of Death is actively on the hunt for her, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a fun night at the movies. If you’re thinking that this sounds like one of the most ludicrous plots you’ve ever heard of, then you are most certainly correct.
I was probably as surprised as anyone to find myself thoroughly enjoying this film. Yes, there are 2-3 sex scenes scattered throughout the film’s 87 minute run time, but if you let yourself get past the almost uncomfortable nature of some of these scenes, you will find a cute love story hidden between the lines. Did I also mention that this film is a musical? No? Well now you know! Think True Blue, but with acting that’s supposed to be terrible!
Yoshirô Umezawa’s role as the patently over the top Kappa character is completely unforgettable, and Sawa Masaki’s role as the lovestruck Asuka, certainly proves that a love story centering around a 30 something woman, is completely viable. This film may have only been shot in 7 days (an eternity by Pink standards), but it still has more depth and quality than half the romantic B-movies that Hollywood churns out every year. It should also serve as a perfect introduction to the world of Pink films!
Look for it on DVD hopefully early in 2012.
[Rating 3.5/5]
