by Hal Erickson
synopsis
The title character, played by Tadanori Yokoo, takes the first step on the road to ruin when he steals an inconsequential item from a bookstore. Caught in the act by the shopgirl (Rie Yokoyama), the shoplifter becomes the girl's sexual partner-and virtual slave. The film is rife with erotic symbolism that will be lost on no one. Originally titled Shinjuku Dorobo Nikki, Diary of a Shinjuku Thief is director Nagisa Oshima's homage to controversial French author (and unregenerate thief) Jean Genet.
characteristics
- Unlikely Criminals
- Shoplifting
- Shoplifter
