All it takes is an open mind...
If I were to recommend this to someone, I wouldn't be ashamed despite the concept being porn. This is because of how great this story is built.
Being based on a true story instantly makes it 10x more intriguing as you're thrown into this new world of sex through the point of view of many different people with Toru Muranishi starting off as a total newbie just like us. We are introduced to many terms, how sex is viewed and the people involved in the porn industry.
With Kaoru Kuroki, we discover how a porn star (one of the most revolutionary) came to be. Her background, how she discovered this was what she wanted to do and how she revolutionised it by defining sexuality, impacting the generations to come. What was considered taboo, had been advocated for by the brave and beautiful Miss Kaoru Kuroki. From women displaying body hair to talking about women's sexual liberation.
From another character's point of view (Toshi), we see the Yakuza side of things and how many dangerous gangs were involved in the industry, their treatment of those within and their control over it.
Through each of these characters, we get a look into the Japanese 80's porn industry scene from many different angles, whether glamourized, unfiltered or ruthless. Along with the change of times, this helps to create a wider perspective as the world is ever-changing and so are we as people.
If you enjoy nitty gritty stories, based loosely on real-life people and exploring a topic through different POV's, then this is for you. Despite certain elements, it really is a total gem of a show. For each glamourization, there is a horrific side shown which balances the scales allowing you to form your own opinion on the industry and how it evolved as well as the names within it. Personally, I think Kaoru Kuroki was ahead of her time and is more than just an 'adult film star'.
To anyone who is considering watching this, please do go in with an open mind and without any prejudices. Only then can you truly understand this amazing show.
Being based on a true story instantly makes it 10x more intriguing as you're thrown into this new world of sex through the point of view of many different people with Toru Muranishi starting off as a total newbie just like us. We are introduced to many terms, how sex is viewed and the people involved in the porn industry.
With Kaoru Kuroki, we discover how a porn star (one of the most revolutionary) came to be. Her background, how she discovered this was what she wanted to do and how she revolutionised it by defining sexuality, impacting the generations to come. What was considered taboo, had been advocated for by the brave and beautiful Miss Kaoru Kuroki. From women displaying body hair to talking about women's sexual liberation.
From another character's point of view (Toshi), we see the Yakuza side of things and how many dangerous gangs were involved in the industry, their treatment of those within and their control over it.
Through each of these characters, we get a look into the Japanese 80's porn industry scene from many different angles, whether glamourized, unfiltered or ruthless. Along with the change of times, this helps to create a wider perspective as the world is ever-changing and so are we as people.
If you enjoy nitty gritty stories, based loosely on real-life people and exploring a topic through different POV's, then this is for you. Despite certain elements, it really is a total gem of a show. For each glamourization, there is a horrific side shown which balances the scales allowing you to form your own opinion on the industry and how it evolved as well as the names within it. Personally, I think Kaoru Kuroki was ahead of her time and is more than just an 'adult film star'.
To anyone who is considering watching this, please do go in with an open mind and without any prejudices. Only then can you truly understand this amazing show.
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