The Naked Director Season 1 Episode 1 The Hidden Side

The Naked Director is a Japanese Netflix series that takes us back to the 80s and 90s, where the adult video industry was starting to boom in Japan. The show is loosely based on the life of the AV director and producer, Toru Muranishi, who revolutionized the video industry by introducing new and bold concepts and genres.

The first episode of the series, 'The Hidden Side,’ starts off by introducing us to Toru Muranishi, played by the talented Takayuki Yamada, a small-time distributor of adult video tapes. With his innate knack for business and his raw ambition, Muranishi manages to secure his first loan and begin his own production company.

We also get a glimpse into how the video business operates in Japan and the strict censorship laws that govern adult entertainment. At the time, the industry was still under the influence of the yakuza, Japan's organized crime syndicate, who had a hold over the distribution channels of pornographic videos.

Muranishi's goal is to create an industry that's independent of the yakuza by creating videos that are different, innovative, and marketable. His first challenge arrives in the form of the young and inexperienced Toshi, played by Shinnosuke Mitsushima. Toshi is Muranishi's first employee, and he's eager to learn the tricks of the trade.

The episode follows Muranishi and Toshi on their quest to create their first video, which they want to release under their newly formed company. However, things get complicated when they visit the set, and Muranishi realizes that the director has a hidden agenda, and is trying to create a traditional adult film that's likely to be censored.

Muranishi's core belief is that viewers need to be aroused, entertained, and amused, and he's convinced that the only way to do so is by breaking the rules. His unorthodox approach to video production becomes evident when he begins offering his unique brand of services to his clients.

The episode moves at a brisk pace, and the characters are introduced quickly and efficiently. By the end of the episode, you feel as if you've already spent a good couple of hours with Muranishi and his team, and are eager to see what the next episode holds in store.

Overall, 'The Hidden Side' does an excellent job of setting up its characters, establishing the show's premise, and immersing viewers in the world of the Japanese adult video industry. The episode is well-directed, acted, and has a polished look to it, which makes for an engaging and entertaining watch. The Naked Director is the perfect show for anyone looking for a compelling drama that's both informative and thought-provoking.