Or (2004)

English title: Or (My Treasure)

*spoilers below*
Or is a woman in her late teens who lives with her mother Ruthie in a small rented apartment. Or's mother is a prostitute who is being kept away from the streets by her daughter. When the film begins, Ruthie has just checked out from a hospital, one does not know exactly on account of what health problem. Or works at a restaurant as a dish washer, and has a budding relationship with Ido, the owner's son. She is fond of casual sex with strangers, in her apartment or in the dark shadows under any staircase. Or finds a job for Ruthie as a cleaning woman, which is a kind of work she has never done and does not fit her temperament in the least. When Ruthie can she goes out at night to work as a street whore. One day she happens into the landlord and tries to settle her rental debt through sex, but, though he accepted that in the past, is no longer willing to do so. Or's promiscuous sexual behavior is well known in her neighborhood and, after she has sex with Ido, his mother Rachel pays a visit to Ruthie and tells her politely that Ido and Or should not continue their relationship. Or comes home when this talk is happening and they tell her about it. Or at first refuses to comply with Rachel's demand. One night, however, when she is supposed to meet Ido, she receives a visit of one of her earlier flings, and, although reluctant at first, agrees to have sex with him. When Ido approaches her at school, she avoids him and tells him that it's not going to work. Or pays a visit to her landlord and offers herself to him, successfully. She brags about it with her school mates. Or applies for a job at a call girl agency, and is set up on the spot with a client. Ruthie resumes her street prostitution activities, even though Or implores her not to do so. One night, Or comes home to find Ruthie covered with blood on her legs and genital area. She helps Ruthie cleanse herself.
*end of spoilers*

This is yet another film of the "women without men" genre. Everything is quite boring, although one cannot properly say it is badly made. Although not explicity stated, both this film and Gaichû, a film belonging to the same genre, hint at a genetic explanation for the protagonist's behavior. Gaichû deals with the subject of depression, whereas Or' s subject matter appears to be sex drive. Ruthie's motivation isn't only money; she seems to actually enjoy the lifestyle of a prostitute. And it is also apparent that Or has inherited her mother's sex drive, and eventually chooses the profession that fits her best, both psychologically and financially.

Rating: 35