Virgin Blues

Teenagers are rebels without a cause. Let it be for stress relief or just a way to kill time, Mami (Kumiko Akiyoshi) and Chiaki were always up to no good – but their luck runs out when they shoplift with some other girls at a local supermarket. They flee from the scene and head back home, only to find detectives at their front door.

Directed by Toshiya Fujita, Virgin Blues leans on a strong ensemble — Kumiko Akiyoshi, Kenji Takaoka, Rie Shimizu — 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 1974.