Director: Kim Longinotto | Jano Williams
Year: 2000 | 1995
Country: UK
Language: Japanese
Subtitles: English
Length: 99 mins | 53 mins
Format: PAL | R2
Colour: Colour
Aspect Ratio: 1.78: 1 | 1.33: 1
Certificate: E

Synopsis

These two award-winning Documentaries explore perceptions and complexities of female sexuality in contemporary Japan.

Gaea Girls follows the gruelling training regime of a group of Japanese professional women wrestlers. Featuring legendary female pro-wrestler superstar Chigusa Nagayo, it is a fascinating insider's account of a closely-guarded universe in a country where women are usually perceived as docile and subservient.

Shinjuku Boys introduces three 'onnabes' (Japanese females who live as males) working as hosts at the New Marilyn Nightclub in Tokyo. Filmed at home and at work, they speak with searing honesty about their lives and hopes and sexuality.

"Extraordinarily brave and honest, presenting issues commonly regarded as taboo and avoiding any pat answers" — Lesley Parkinson, Japan Times

Special Features

- New essay by author/critic Sophie Mayer and reflections on the film by Jano Williams.