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Sorry, folks. I regret to announce that my porn reviewing days are over.
As you may be aware, the Online Safety Act recently came into effect in the UK. The law, which is a cyber security nightmare and clamps down on citizens' freedom of speech, particularly clamps down on pornographic content. Sure, there are hoops one can jump through, but as with Imgur, it's just not worth it. The best option for me now is to pivot.
As such, although I was going to write a review of 2015's Lesbian Ghost (EDRG-007) from studio E-Dora! and directed by Tsukimoto Hideyuki and Isaka Tomoyasu, I shall need to refrain from doing so.
But I can do the next best thing! As with several other videos from E-Dora!, Lesbian Ghost was later re-released under TakeShobo's Dream Theatre label with all explicit material removed, such that it is suitable for even 15 year olds (at least, so claims the DVD cover). I am therefore able to proceed with a review of what is now titled Ecstasy Psychic girl MIKO – Love of the dead (TSDV-60056).
Hamasaki Mao (obligatory mention to check out her DJ career) stars as novelist Yōko (陽子), who has been troubled by a ghost that has been making an appearance each evening. So she asks spirit medium Miko (ミコ), played by Ashina Yuria, for help.
It transpires that the hauntings are by none other than Yōko's former lover Runa (ルナ), played by Miyashita Kana. Under Miko's guidance and multiple intimate scenes which are somehow supposed to help, the shocking circumstances behind the ghost's death are revealed.
I'll be honest – as a feature film, this lacks polish. It comes across as a somewhat low-budget film, although it can cinematographically be quite clever at times. The location – Togasaki Studio in Saitama Prefecture [OSM] – fits the haunted house aesthetic very well.
Yuria and Kana played their roles very well, giving serious and mysterious vibes respectively. Mao's role was far more challenging, and I wish I could say she pulled it off, but I don't think she quite captured Yōko's terror convincingly enough, but I applaud her effort regardless.
Story-wise, it sometimes felt a little clichéd but I have to say, the ending did throw me a bit. This film may not exactly keep you on the edge of your seat, but it's enjoyable and exhibits a reasonable amount of creativity. Also perfect for Hallowe'en!
★★★☆☆ 3/5 Good