_Platonic Sex_ viewership/opinions

[tim.iles at utoronto.ca]

Any figures for how the cinematic adaptation of Iijima Ai's _Platonic sex_
did in theatrical release? The film isn't bad, in fact (well, its
cinematography is quite standard, its performances are acceptable but
certainly not inspired, the writing is good, pacing adequate)--and based
purely on its availability on region-free DVD in Vancouver's Chinatown
(where relatively few non-anime Japanese films can be found) it has a
degree of international success. I've heard anecdotally that it did well
in Japan, but I'd like some "real" figures. Also, any info about the
4-hour drama? What sort of demographics did it have?

And now the opinion bit--is the success of this film/memoir indicative of
an "empowerment" of young women? Is it only about alienation and the angst
of modern life? As a cautionary tale, is it in fact successful?

Just wondering about your thoughts (especially after that _long_ thread
about whether or not Japan produces decent films these days! ^_^)


Tim Iles
Department of Pacific and asian Studies
University of Victoria