Kamikaze Hearts (1986) User Reviews

Test of Character

[derek-duerden · 6/10 · 12 June 2023]

I've been aware of this for quite a while (perhaps since its launch?) and that it had a "landmark" reputation.

As such, I'm glad I've now seen it, although I doubt I'll be rewatching it, or recommending it to others. At base, it's an interesting perspective on the industry and these characters in particular, but I suspect most people's reactions will be dominated by the feelings towards the latter. Personally, I was initially drawn to Tigr and somewhat daunted by Mitch, but found my reactions heading in correspondingly opposite directions as the film progressed. The "producer" however remained an unremitting nasty sleazebag throughout, and thus a difficult presence.... noting that he was a porn director "in real life" I did wonder whether this was somewhat realistic, or whether he was playing up this angle for the camera, as most of the rest of the crews came across as collaborative and supportive.

Worth a look, but not really recommended.

Closer than Comfort

[akoaytao1234 · 6/10 · 3 September 2023]

A Pseudo documentary about 80's pornstars in the middle of a fictional adaptation of the play Carmen and the people the work with. Lead by superstar Sharon Mitchell playing herself as she tries to juggle with her relationship with an AD, Tigr ,played by real life pornstar of the same name. How toxic it is, and how things are not working, especially Mitchell's career as a pornstar and Tigr as her Director. Almost all the other characters in the film are just talking heads about their work in the industry or their commentary about the central relationship.

Interestingly, the film was made in basis of Mitchell's real life relationship with Tigr and the idea that Mitchell would only have sex with her if it would be shown in video. Another interesting thing is that it was somewhat made when the heydays of porn is long gone - though never really referenced in anyway in the film.

Its just such a meta text. Also, one of the pornstar, Jon Martin, is a Stella Adler educated actor which was shocking since its actually Mitchell who came off the most natural of the group.

Much more interesting as a factoid AND had seen this themes done better in other films to be honest.

Extraordinary

[Woodyanders · 9/10 · 13 January 2015]

Tough and cynical veteran Mitch (Sharon Mitchell, positively mesmerizing) and her naive, yet eager partner Tigr (a very sweet, appealing, and vulnerable portrayal by Tigr) are a couple of porn actresses involved in an intense lesbian relationship. Their already strained relationship reaches the breaking point as substance abuse and the pressure of working in the sex industry begins to take a heavy toll on both women.

Director/co-writer Juliet Bashore offers a fascinating and illuminating document of the positive and negative aspects of the 1980's adult cinema scene, with plenty of priceless footage of the chaotic shooting of a hardcore feature as personalities clash and egos run out of control. Moreover, this movie blurs the fine line between fact and fiction to the point where it's impossible to distinguish one from the other. Better still, Bashore accomplishes the remarkable feat of seeing the wounded humanity in people who work in a profession that's commonly perceived as seamy, thankless, and degrading. Porn actor Jon Martin proves to be extremely likable as himself, Jerry Abrams amuses as sleazy hustler producer Gerald Greystone, and Robert McKenna impresses as the supremely cool Bobby Mac. As for Mitchell, she's quite a striking charismatic figure who openly admits that she's always performing whether the camera is on or off; this in turn makes her occasionally very repellent in her narcissism and utterly compelling because of her funky aloof persona and distinctive androgynous look. David Golia's rough hand-held cinematography puts the viewer right in the thick of everything. The final scene is simply devastating. Done in a raw, riveting, and realistic verite documentary style, this film possesses a truly bracing sense of you-are-there intimacy and poignancy.

Glad to see this has gained some recognition

[millerian-02797 · 8 March 2024]

Neverending, improvised filmmaking on how a person can exit both inside and outside of the camera. Living in a world & profession where misogyny and exploitation is cavalier and rampant. A series of fascinating people & characters who belong in separate worlds, yet come together to film the most intimate part of human life. Nothing gets me more than when it cuts to the camera guy saying "It's a job. Got to pay the bills right?" The differences between how for some people it is an escape & a way of life, and for others it simply is a way to keep food on the table. And how those two ideas seem to combine frequently. Also, heartbreaking and real depiction of being a junkie, looking right into the camera with dilated pupils babbling how nothing is real. Powerful cinema, because although most of it is staged, there's a certain truth to it that remains consistently engaging. Genuinely hilarious as well, light even in the darkest of places.