Crazed Fruit
François Truffaut was so taken with the film that he recommended it to the Cinematheque; this was the first Japanese film awarded that honor.,Haruji is loading groceries into a car outside a small grocery stall. Eri rides up on her bike and starts talking to him. Right behind Haruji can be seen a wall clock, the hands of which indicate a time of 4:35. The camera switches to Eri's face for a few seconds, then back to Haru, but now the clock indicates a time of 4:29.,Takishima Natsuhisa: Shall we head home? Today was a bust. That's what I get for coming with you.
Takishima Haruji: Except that girl at the station. You got a glimpse, right?
Takishima Natsuhisa: Still going on about her? She's just a kid. Perfect for you.,Referenced in Century of Cinema: Nihon eiga no hyaku nen (1995),Sobre las olas (Over the Waves)
(uncredited)
Music by Juventino Rosas
Played during the amusement park sequence,The title "Crazed Fruit" probably has different connotations in Japanese...but in English, the title seems to suggest the viewer is in for a trashy entertainment. In fact, "Crazed Fruit" is a brilliant, thoughtful, and powerful film.

The film succeeds through its strong writing and strong performances. The director seems to have a clear vision for the film -- unusual, considering it was his debut feature.

What gives "Crazed Fruit" its depth and richness is the subtlety of the plot and performances. The film ends in tragedy, but this outcome has its origins in ordinary, minor human flaws that anyone could identify with. The three main characters' weaknesses combine in a particularly unfortunate way, to produce a spectacularly bad result. The younger brother is blameless and pure in his desire to know true love; the older brother is understandably overcome by the strength of his feelings of love and passion; the girl is blameness in her desire to experience an innocent and powerful form of love. Yet together, the three work to bring about disaster.

Highly recommended.,