Path of the Beast

17 year old Saki lives in a run-down shack with her mom, who survives by pushing a food cart from dawn to dusk. Saki has dropped out of school, and when she's not helping her mother selling noodles in the streets, she's playing flesh-games with boyfriend Sotoo. In her spare time, the girl also entertains a truck driver named Ataru. She believes her promiscuity is a trait inherited from her mom. Determined to improve her lot in life, Saki decides to stop seeing the two guys.

Directed by Tatsumi Kumashiro, Path of the Beast leans on a strong ensemble — Ayako Yoshimura, Minako Mizushima, Noboru Mitani — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1980.