This tale of a returning Japanese war hero comes within inches of being a gripping and insightful look at domestic sexual politics as well the unique role of women and the homefront in Japan’s war effort. And then there is an epic fumble in the last thirty minutes. Previous scenes of questionable music cues are made inexcusable by bombastic editing, sound design and flashback. A quiet, dark tale trades in its drama for a cheesy exploitation thrills, but isn’t “fucked up” enough to delight that audience either.
