Watch The Naked Director

The Naked Director is an enthralling and entertaining Netflix original series that takes viewers on a wild ride through the fascinating and controversial world of Japanese adult video (AV) production in the 1980s. With a stellar cast of veteran and rising Japanese actors, the show manages to balance hilariously raunchy humor with poignant character development and unexpected twists and turns in storytelling.

The series focuses on the character of Toru Muranishi, played brilliantly by Takayuki Yamada. Toru is a young man in his 20s who starts out as a used car salesman and becomes obsessed with achieving financial success and sexual fulfillment. After some fortuitous encounters with AV producers and actors, Toru decides to start his own AV production company, using his charm, cunning, and willingness to take risks to carve out a niche in the adult film market.

Along the way, Toru faces numerous challenges, including dealing with the mafia, corrupt police, rival producers, and his own personal demons. But he also finds loyal friends and allies in the form of his loyal partner Toshi (Shinnosuke Mitsushima), his determined actress/rival Kaoru Kuroki (Misato Morita), and his mentor and competitor Obayashi (Lily Franky).

What sets The Naked Director apart from other shows that explore the adult entertainment industry is the way it blends elements of comedy, drama, romance, and social commentary. While Toru's antics and his constantly evolving hairstyles are often hilarious and outrageous, the show doesn't shy away from portraying the darker aspects of the industry, such as exploitation, addiction, and the pressure to conform to patriarchal norms.

One particularly memorable episode focuses on Toshi and his quest to find love and acceptance as a gay man in a society that stigmatizes homosexuality. Another episode examines the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the actresses who have to balance their desire for fame and financial security with the risks to their safety and reputation.

The show is also notable for its vivid and stylish visual aesthetic, which recreates the look and feel of the 1980s with meticulous attention to detail. The costumes, hairstyles, and music all evoke a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era, while also highlighting the social and cultural shifts that were taking place during that time.

Overall, The Naked Director is a truly addictive and exhilarating show that manages to be both sexy and smart, outrageous and nuanced, funny and heartfelt. Whether you're a fan of Japanese cinema, adult entertainment, or just great storytelling, this series is sure to satisfy your cravings.

The Naked Director is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (16 episodes). The series first aired on August 8, 2019.