Plot: What’s it about?
It is often said that we can tell strangers things we’d never tell our own friends, which is just what happens when two men have a chance encounter in a coffee shop. The night has started to turn pretty late and the two men spark a conversation, which quickly moves from idle chatter into talk about serious issues. One is in his mid-twenties and the other is middle aged, two men from two different worlds, but they have more in common than they might think. After some normal smalltalk, the older man reveals that he is married, but has indulged in a mistress, which opens him up even more to disclose his past. As the younger man listens, he weaves a tale of sexually abusing a woman on the train on his way to work, his first encounter with a prostitute, and other stories of sexual liaisons. As time passes, the younger man too reveals some of his sexual history, including an event where he raped his unfaithful girlfriend. It soon becomes clear that there is an unknown bond between the two, but what it is and what is to become of them? Are the stories the truth, or simply attempts to escape the doldrums of their lives?
This installment in Eclectic DVD’s Pink Japan line is an odd one, a film directed by genre veteran Toshiki Sato (Abnormal Ecstasy, Lunatic) that is loaded with surreal visuals, confusion, and of course, plenty of sexually charged sequences. I liken this to My Dinner With Andre, but instead of two old friends recounting stories of their past, Tandem has two men who share sexual stories, unaware of a connection between them. The meeting is by chance and the two have no problems telling all of their dirty little secrets, but by the time the end of the road rolls along, some surprises manage to take place. I have to admit, I didn’t understand all of Tandem and this could be because something is lost in the translation, but I think it is supposed to be this way, as a lot of Japanese Pink films are surreal and confusing. The events the men describe aren’t always erotic and are sometimes violent, but it is all the men have, given the dull nature of their lives. As with most Japan Pink cinema, Tandem contains elements & themes that will offend some folks, but fans of the genre shouldn’t miss this one, it is well worth a look.
Video: How does it look?
Tandem is presented in a 1.66:1 widescreen transfer, which is not enhanced for widescreen televisions. The image here leaves a lot to be desired, but given the material, I think genre fans will be able to let it slide. I’d love to have a cleaned up, anamorphic transfer here, but the economics involved prevent that, since the investment wouldn’t be made back, unless Japanese Pink becomes the next cinematic fad or the like. The rather dark material never gets too murky, but could use a polish session, without a doubt. The print shows some defects and shimmering is common, but as I said, I think is about as good as Tandem is going to look on home video, unless someone sinks in a ton of cash to restore it.
Audio: How does it sound?
A basic stereo audio option is used here, which is passable, but sometimes comes off as a little rough around the edges. I noticed some harshness to the music and dialogue at times, though never to an extreme level. Most of the time, the elements remain clear and up to the task however, so no real concerns there. Not a lot of range or depth to speak of, but this material doesn’t need the bells & whistles, so don’t be worried on that front. The audio is in the original Japanese language and has English subtitles, which have been burned in. This again comes down to budget & available materials, but I would have liked optional subtitles, if possible.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes some still photos, additional text on director Toshiki Sato, and information on the Japan Pink cinema.
