Oshima's investigation into sexuality and society (I think) is an extremely frustrating experience. It displays some very Godardy moments, some interesting cutting, titles and newsreel footage to accompany a plot which is basically a story about the relationship between the (book) thief of the title Tadanoori Yokoo and a mischievous young woman Rie Yokoyama. Some of its tangents (group of men interviewed about sex, Kabuki theatre, songs, experimental performances) are a combination of fatally dull and deeply irritating. If I had to hear 'This is Ali-Baba, town of mystery' once more I think I would have committed hara-kiri.
Featuring the real life essayist and bookstore owner Moichi Tanabe. And Juro Kara as the singer / actor.
It's amusing to speculate how the film went down in its native country.
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