Fear and Trembling

aka: Stupeur et tremblements
France 2003, 103 minutes
Dir. Alain Corneau
In French, Japanese with English subtitles
Rating: [M]
Genres: Foreign Cinema, Drama / Black Comedy

Feat. Sylvie Testud

Aroview: A Belgian translator (Testud) takes a job in the corporate world of Tokyo (a city where she was born and grew up) hoping to rediscover the culture she looks back upon with fondness.

However, she soon discovers her job turning to a living nightmare of sadistic bosses and incomprehensible social rituals, as she is demoted to photocopy assistant and finally, to toilet cleaner. As a commentary upon inter-cultural misunderstanding, this is somewhat lightweight, but as black comedy it works a treat.