Erotic Diary of an Office Lady (1977) User Reviews

A Pink Film Which Works

[crossbow0106 · 7/10 · 29 September 2008]

Generally less explicit than films of this genre made outside of Japan owing to restrictions at the time, this is a pink (x rated) film about Asami (the pretty Asami Ogawa) who works in an office and is having an sexual relationship with her boss. She lives with her father, who is looking for her to get married. She doesn't seem averse to the idea and meets someone. The reason this film is watchable is that the plot is pretty good. Also, Asami Ogawa is good in her role. Of course, some of this film is fairly explicit, and a few of the sex scenes are more violent than sensual, but the production values are good and the direction, by legendary pink film director Masaru Konuma, is spot on. Of course, this is not for everyone, but if your tastes gravitate to these films, you can certainly do a lot worse. The fact that it has a good lead character makes it stronger and watchable.

The Prince of Pink delivers an unexpectedly rich and complex delight

[fertilecelluloid · 8/10 · 14 February 2008]

What begins as typical pink film fare ends as something totally unexpected. "Erotic Diary of an Office Lady", a late 70's entry from Masaru Konuma, seems content initially to depict sexual relations in the office -- one woman can't get sex; another is having too much sex and booze; and another, our heroine, is having trouble containing sexual urges triggered by her voyeurism. The voyeur's journey to sexual fulfillment and disappointment is the movie's core. Konuma's cinema is fascinating because he understands the reckless, irresponsible nature of sexual desire and isn't coy about confronting us with it. He eroticizes sexual violence because he is honest about the incendiary nature of sex. His stories are filled with men unable to control their primal instincts; rape is common, sex without resistance is suspect. Half way through the film's tragic and intricate personal dramas, the narrative shifts into high gear and we are plunged into a vibrant, sensual odyssey in which our heroine becomes a true, active protagonist; through her, the the fears and frustrations of young, Japanese office women are given some serious airing. The "Erotic Diary of an Office Lady" becomes "An Office Lady's Journey of Self Discovery". There are numerous sexual liaisons that are stunning for their erotic power. A short scene of molestation in an elevator is masterfully captured. A low angle, where a woman's panties are perfectly framed in the foreground as she is groped, is exceptional. The final twenty minutes are a directorial tour de force. Our heroine's flight to and retreat from the countryside are rendered hypnotic by a perfect choice of music and superb cinematography. Masuru Konuma proves himself a Prince of Pink.