Shoujyo: An Adolescent (2001)

50% of critics liked it
(8 reviews)
68% of users liked it
(79 ratings)

Noted character actor Eiji Okuda makes his directorial debut with this Lolita-esque romantic drama adapted from a book by Mikihiko Renjyo. Tomokawa (Okuda) is a tough guy turned bored cop who spends much of his time sating lonely housewives and looking after retarded teen Sukemasa. One day while… More Noted character actor Eiji Okuda makes his directorial debut with this Lolita-esque romantic drama adapted from a book by Mikihiko Renjyo. Tomokawa (Okuda) is a tough guy turned bored cop who spends much of his time sating lonely housewives and looking after retarded teen Sukemasa. One day while hanging out at a bar, he is approached by a 15-year-old enjo kosai named Yoko, offering a round of illicit sex in exchange for cash. Though he demurs, their paths cross again and soon a relationship of sorts forms. Yoko, it turns out, is Sukemasa's sister; and both are the children of his old flame Yukie (Marie Natsuki), a grasping, self-centered woman. Moreover, Yoko's grandfather is responsible for the massive tattoo sprawling across Tomokawa's back. Tomokawa soon takes both teens under his wing, protecting them from their heartless mother, and their lecherous stepfather. Soon, Yoko gets a similarly massive tattoo illustrating her bond with her policeman savior. ~ Jonathan Crow, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 2 hr. 12 min.
Directed By: Eiji Okuda
Genres: Art House & International, Drama

In Theaters: Sep 9, 2005 Wide
On DVD: Sep 26, 2006
Studio: Indican Pictures

Critic Reviews

Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
Decidedly uneven yet intriguing.
V.A. Musetto, New York Post
A dirty old man's delight.
Dana Stevens, New York Times
Shoujyo: An Adolescent seems to be several movies at once: a hard-boiled detective story, a Lolita-style intergenerational romance and a family psychodrama complete with pat Freudian flashbacks.
G. Allen Johnson, San Francisco Chronicle
Director and star Eiji Okuda has created almost a gentle story, with definite humanity behind its intent.
Drew Tillman, Village Voice
Although the movie drags, Okuda (who also directed) makes for a gloriously bad lieutenant, while Ozawa is enjoyably discomfiting in her unblushing carnality.
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
To confuse this with a touching May-December romance like Lost in Translation could bring a very early end to date night.
Mark Olsen, L.A. Weekly
The film is perhaps best thought of as part cultural curiosity, part obscurantist's delight.
Maitland McDonagh, TV Guide's Movie Guide
You could be forgiven for missing the thematic underpinnings amidst the long, fetishized sex scenes.