Love Obsession

A mediocre Japanese "pink" film directed by one of the masters of the genre that like many of this type minimizes plot and characterization for show-stopping sex scenes. An opportunistic reporter (Maya Shiraki) for the "News Obsession" live reality TV show sees ratings for her show plummet. After her boss threatens to cancel the program, she kidnaps her sister in order to shoot a live rape that is broadcast to an indifferent public. Director Sato inserts some arresting images here, such as the opening scene of the reporter filming a woman threatening to jump off a high rise if her lover doesn't return to her, which includes one of the director's favorite motifs, a woman masturbating in public. This movie's satirical plot tries to convey the lengths to which some will go to remain on TV and in the public's eye, but the lengthy sex scenes though mildly erotic overtake the film, reducing it all to a mostly failed exercise in excess.

Love Obsession is also known as: Beauty Reporter: Rape Broadcast.

This focuses on a reporter with her own news program who with dwindling ratings would do anything to keep her show on the air. It's as relevant today in 2023 as it was in 1989 tho could see this done now with a social media influencer instead of a news reporter. The ending was a bit of a surprise just when you thought you figured it out.

It's a pink film so has it's prerequisite sex scenes, most are fairly erotic if that is what you seek. One I felt uncomfortable watching but that's more me. The sex scenes don't get in the way of the story. They often are a part of the story.

Director Hisayasu Satõ & his editor made every scene seamless.

The two female lead actresses did an excellent job. Maya Shiraki showed she had range as an actress.

I rated this a 7/10. Unfortunately, the low budget showed which took away from the enjoyment of watching. The male lead was alright but didn't show much emotion.

Still, for a pink film it was excellent. Well worth a watch.