Looking for Angel
Tenshi no Rakuen
Suzuki Akihiro: ‘It’s not straight, gay, queer, bisexual, non-sexual or porn. Looking for Angel is an anti-heterosexist movie.’ Suzuki Akihiro’s debut recaptures the waywardness of some early New York ‘underground’ films with its mix of sexual uncertainties, memories, regrets and all-too-fleeting friendships. Shinpei (Suehiro Akira) is a country boy alone in Tokyo, maybe gay, maybe not, invited to a party by a girl he hasn’t seen in a while. It turns out to be a wake for Takachi (Imaizumi Koichi), a gay guy who appeared in straight porno tapes; he was apparently murdered by a casual pick-up. During the night, Shinpei pieces together fragments of Takachi’s story: his friendship with a beautiful rent-boy, his move to Kochi, where ‘the boys are like angels,’ his return to Tokyo… and his heartbreaking plea for gentleness on the last night of his life. (Tony Rayns)
Film details
- Country of production
- Japan
- Year
- 2000
- Festival edition
- IFFR 2001
- Length
- 61"
- Medium/Format
- 35mm
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