Query re Okoge

[Joseph Murphy]

Slightly off subject, and utterly dated, but I think I recall Jonathan M.
Hall referring a couple of times, it must have been months ago, to "Okoge"
as "the infamous 'Okoge'".  I meant to ask then, but couldn't find the msg,
and the list has been quiet for a while.  Anyway, given that from a litcrit
perspective it simply shuffled a gay couple into a pretty standard set of
melodramatic situations, in suburban USA the film was quite well received
for its explicit depiction of male-male eroticism and foregrounding of the
pleasure of voyeurism.  I remember watching it in a packed art house
theater in 96 and getting a very positive reaction, applause, appreciation
for the attractive portrayal of the gay couple, etc.  Can you tell me a
little more about its reception in Japan, and why it is infamous in some
quarters?  What are the problems with the film?
yours,
J. Murphy