Watch Lala Pipo: A Lot of People

Lala Pipo: A Lot of People is a Japanese black comedy film that was released in 2009. Directed by Masayuki Miyano, the movie is based on the novel of the same name written by Hideo Okuda. The film features Yuri Nakamura, Sayuki Matsumoto, and Miyavi Matsunoi in the lead roles. The story follows the lives of several characters living in Tokyo who all have one thing in common - their desire for wealth and success. These characters include a struggling actor, a former porn star, a frustrated writer, and a con artist. They are all connected in some way as they navigate through their lives in search of a better future.

The movie is divided into five separate episodes, each of which focuses on a different character. Each episode is connected by a chain of events that unfold in each character's life. The first episode introduces us to the main character, Suzuki (played by Yasushi Fuchikami), an aspiring actor who becomes involved in a pornographic film. The second episode features a former porn star, Aoi (Yuri Nakamura), who is now married and living a monotonous life with her husband. She becomes restless and longs for the excitement she once had as a porn star.

In the third episode, we meet the struggling writer, Kawashima (Sayuki Matsumoto), whose manuscript is rejected by every publisher she approaches. She turns to alcohol to cope with her failures and ends up getting involved in a pyramid scheme. The fourth episode focuses on a con artist, Kita (Miyavi Matsunoi), who poses as a doctor to scam people out of their money. Her scam goes awry when the police show up.

The final episode brings all the characters together at a private hospital where they end up interacting with each other. This episode is the climax of the movie and it ties together all the loose ends from the previous episodes.

Overall, Lala Pipo: A Lot of People is a dark and satirical commentary on modern-day Japanese society. The movie highlights the extreme measures people will take to achieve their dreams of wealth and success. The characters are flawed and the situations they find themselves in are bleak, but the movie is also humorous in a twisted and absurd way. The film is an entertaining retrospective that takes a comical view of the lives of those striving to get ahead in a cutthroat world.

The performances of the lead actors are commendable. Yuri Nakamura's portrayal of Aoi, the former porn star, is restrained and nuanced. Sayuki Matsumoto's portrayal of Kawashima, the struggling writer, is both hilarious and relatable. Miyavi Matsunoi's depiction of Kita, the con artist, is magnetic, and she is the standout in the ensemble cast. The rest of the cast have also done an excellent job in their respective roles.

The cinematography by Daisuke Soma is fabulous, capturing the essence of Tokyo with distinct energy and vigor. The background music by Yoshihide Otomo is eclectic and fits the mood of the movie.

In conclusion, Lala Pipo: A Lot of People is not for everyone. The film is rated R for its graphic nudity, violence, and sexual content. It's a movie that takes a satirical view of Japanese society and the dark underbelly of its culture. This is a film that requires a certain level of openness to other cultures, as well as an appreciation for dark humor. If you are a fan of black comedy, you will definitely enjoy this movie.