This movie has a documentary feel. It's unique lens acting as social commentary on beauty, trans culture, and illegal activity has a "real" feel to it thanks to the use of hand held shaky camera work. The story is a sad tale of a crumbling sense of self worth. It makes the world feel somewhat helpless, watching cycles continue that hurt even when we know their dangers. Hiro was a sweet ray of light in the whole story, the one precious thing in the main character's life who she eventually hides from her work as she lowers her standards for herself. It was really such a sad story.

I watched the movie with zero expectations, knowing barely anything about it. Somehow, its made in a way that feels both intimate and distant, somewhat like her relationship with her boyfriend, someone she lives with but who no longer loves her.

As she walks into the dark, entering the darkest moment of her life, calling for a cab to help her escape, we see the next scene continue the dangerous cycle she's running from. Who is there to help? Who is there to give drive them into a better light? Alone, she waits in the darkness of her own making, wanting a way out, but feeling trapped by these circumstances. Ah so sad. So hopeless. I hope that one day this character finds a better life somewhere. I hope she moves back to Japan with Hiro and finds someone who truly loves her. But even if she leaves, what would that mean for the women left behind who continue these dangerous practices? And now I'm crying again T_T So sad