The Oldest Profession

Synopsis

19-year-old Tome is a sex worker who draws in customers around the red-light district of Osaka. She lives with her mentally disabled younger brother, Saneo, and her mother, Yone, who is also still active as a sex worker despite being over 40 years old. One day, after receiving a request for a young girl, Tome goes to the designated inn. On arrival she encounters Yone, who is unable to find work. A few days later, Yone tells Tome that she is pregnant...

20 years have passed since the Prostitution Prevention Law was enacted, and the red-light district is now gone. Nonetheless, sex work as a profession persists. Noboru Tanaka's controversial film (also known as "Lusty Beast Market") portrays sorrowful but strong and resilient women who have no other choice but to earn a living by selling their bodies.

Restored in 4K from the 35mm master negative in 2021 by NIKKATSU Corporation at Cineric in New York and Lisbon.