The Great Happiness Space: Tale of an Osaka Love Thief

Watch The Great Happiness Space: Tale of an Osaka Love Thief

  • NR
  • 2006
  • 7.8  (1,467)

The Great Happiness Space: Tale of an Osaka Love Thief is a gripping documentary film of 2006 that explores the fascinating world of host clubs in Japan. Directed by Jake Clennell, the film takes the audience on a journey into the dark and surreal world of the Japanese 'love industry.' The movie offers a rare glimpse into the lives of male hosts working in Osaka's bustling nightclubs, who charm and entertain wealthy women in exchange for their money.

Through the lens of the camera, viewers get to know the hosts intimately, starting from their daily routines and their approach to their work, to their lifestyle and their personal relationships outside the club. The film portrays a vivid and honest picture of the extraordinary lives of the young men, who describe themselves as 'professional lovers.'

The documentary's centerpiece is the charismatic Issei, the owner of the most popular club in Osaka, the Great Happiness Space. Issei is an enigmatic figure with piercing eyes and a charming smile that attracts women to him. He is accompanied by his team, which is made up of a group of handsome young men, dressed in finely tailored suits, whose job is to cater to wealthy female clients seeking attention, care, and love.

The film explores the 'business' of the host clubs, where the young men sell dreams and illusion to wealthy women. They seek out desperate, lonely women who are willing to pay an exorbitant amount of money for their company. The men are trained to flirt, shower their clients with attention, act attentive and make them feel special. They are expected to pamper their clients, treat them like royalty, and make them feel as though they are the only women in the world.

The women who visit the clubs are not just seeking sex, but more importantly, they are looking for respect, companionship, and love. Some of the women enter into intimate relationships with the hosts, believing that they are in love with them. Others seek to cure their loneliness, while some want to escape their mundane lives temporarily.

In the Great Happiness Space, the men are trained to satisfy the client's emotional needs, and the most popular hosts are the ones who can capture and hold the heart of their clients. Issei, the club's owner, shows great business acumen and even greater compassion for his employees. He knows that the hosts are human, and they too have their dreams, personal issues, and emotional baggage that they bring to the club.

The documentary delves into the personal lives of the hosts, revealing the challenges they face outside the club. It sheds light on the fact that their lives are not as glamorous as their professions make them seem to be, and they too have their dark moments. The film also shows the darker side of their world, where the hosts develop a cynical and predatory view of the women they entertain, and the moral dilemmas they face.

The Great Happiness Space: Tale of an Osaka Love Thief is an immersive and captivating documentary, with a mesmerizing soundtrack and expertly crafted cinematics. The film is both an indictment and a celebration of Japanese host culture, providing an honest portrayal of the lives of those in the Japanese entertainment industry. Through its exploration of the host club culture, the documentary elucidates how individuals dealing with stark economic and social realities are motivated to seek solace and meaning in relationships.

In conclusion, The Great Happiness Space: Tale of an Osaka Love Thief is a powerful documentary that provides insight into the 'professional lover' culture in Japan. The film is a must-watch for individuals interested in exploring culture, sociology, and the human condition. It is an intense and memorable experience that will change the way you see the world.

The Great Happiness Space: Tale of an Osaka Love Thief
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Description
  • Release Date
    2006
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.8  (1,467)
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