OL kankin (hakuchū no reipu)

Synopsis

OL Kankin (Hakuchū no Reipu), released in 1985 and featuring Rie Hirase, is a controversial Japanese exploitation drama delving into the dark underbelly of abduction and violence against women in broad daylight. The story follows a female office worker (OL) who becomes a victim of kidnapping and faces horrifying ordeals. As a stark depiction mingling psychological trauma with social commentary, the film has a raw and unsettling atmosphere. It explores themes of vulnerability, control, and survival in the face of brutal victimization, while provoking difficult reflections on societal attitudes during that era. The film is known for its intense and distressing content, making it a challenging watch reserved for mature audiences.

Cast

• 

  Rie Hirase

  Ryôko

• Kazuo Satake

  Kazuhiro Taguchi - Taxi Driver

• Mayuko Mizushima

  Miyako - Ryôko's Sister

• Masato Gotô

  The Drunken

• Ikuo Momose

  Policeman

• 

  Yukiko Tachibana

  Yukie - Taguchi's Wife

Reviews

OL Kankin (Hakuchū no Reipu) has received mixed to negative reactions from critics and viewers alike, primarily due to its distressing subject matter and graphic portrayal of assault. On IMDb, it holds a modest rating around 4.0/10, reflecting discomfort with its explicit content and pacing issues. Some viewers acknowledge the film's attempt to present a raw examination of abduction trauma, citing Rie Hirase's intense performance as a notable aspect. However, many reviews highlight ethical concerns about the film's exploitation elements and question its artistic merit versus sensationalism. Renowned critics emphasize that while the movie attempts to confront harsh realities, it may cross boundaries of taste and responsible storytelling. It has not been widely reviewed on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic due to its niche and controversial nature. Enthusiasts of cult and exploitation cinema might find value in its historical context, whereas mainstream audiences are often advised to approach with caution. Overall, the film is recognized more for provoking discussion than for mainstream critical acclaim.