Set in the seedy backstreets of Tokyo’s “love hotel” district, this visceral crime thriller from award winning director Shion Sono leaves one feeling confused, stunned, and frankly a little violated. The premise: a pretty young housewife, bored of her unfulfilling life, and frustrated by her husband’s seeming lack of interest, descends into the gritty world of prostitution, becoming the protégé of an experienced (and mentally unstable) older woman.

At first exhilarated by the excitement of this secret new life, naive Izumi soon realises that it may not be as glamorous and empowering as she initially believed. Thematically, it is highly reminiscent of Belle de Jour; unfortunately it lacks any of the grace and subtlety for which Bunuel’s classic film is so famous. Despite a promising opening scene, it soon disintegrates into a mishmash of sex, violence, and bad acting.

Izumi’s sexual awakening is utterly unrealistic, as she happily makes the transition from demure housewife to depraved whore with very little consideration. Her entire character is baffling; presumably she is meant to appear confused or complex; instead she is just irritating. Shion Sono focuses too closely on achieving a shock effect, thus losing any kind of realism or scope for empathy with any of the central characters.

Stylistically, however, the film looks very impressive, cutting smartly between rain-drenched crime scenes, gothic mansions and garish hotel rooms. Indeed the concept itself is fascinating, and the film offers an interesting insight into the tradition of “love hotels” in Tokyo, which in itself is captivating. Yet sadly this is not enough to keep the audience hooked for long; it is clear from an early stage that there is little depth or meaning behind the aesthetics, and, ultimately, it is in fact just soft porn masquerading as a serious piece of film-making.