Love Exposure

Yu is a teenager who becomes enamored with Yoko after a chance collision in a world where a fringe porn market shapes lives. He earns money by photographing upskirt shots for a shadowy industry, and his attraction to Yoko quickly pulls him into a reckless, noisy mix of comedy and danger. A wardrobe twist sends Yoko into confusion about her own sexuality, and their encounters spill into kung fu capers and petty crime as the pair stumble through a gauntlet of risk and misadventure. Throughout it all, Catholic guilt hovers over every choice, turning desire into a test of faith, freedom, and the boundaries of affection. The film moves with audacious energy and tonal shifts that keep expectations off balance.

Released in 2008, Love Exposure is directed by Sion Sono and features Takahiro Nishijima, Hikari Mitsushima, Sakura Ando, Makiko Watanabe, and Atsuro Watabe. The project appears to originate from Sono's own concept, with source material not listed. The film runs long and embraces a bold visual style, making it a signature entry in Sono's catalog.

Box office data is not provided in the available information. The film has been discussed more in festival and art house circles than as a mainstream commercial hit. In various markets it developed a cult following rather than large grosses, reflecting its niche appeal.

Love Exposure is often cited as one of Sono's most boundary pushing works and is known for merging religious imagery with sexual provocation and dark humor. Its bold approach and devoted following helped shape conversations about censorship and artistic risk in Japanese cinema. Its influence is visible in later indie and underground projects that mix faith, sexuality, and sensational style.

Critics and audiences alike note the film balances comedy, drama and action while probing themes of desire, faith and identity. The performances by Nishijima and Mitsushima give gravity to the film's wilder ideas, anchoring its tonal shifts. The public reception is reflected by an 8.0 out of 10 rating from 499 votes.