A captivating film set against the open yet secretive world of red-light districts. Japanese Self Defence Force veteran Ozawa first came to southeast Asia many years ago, then eventually ended up frequently roaming around Bangkok’s red light districts. Luck, thanks to her beauty and cleverness, has become the most sought-after hostess at the bar where she works. Although she considers prostitution a part of her family history, she’s saving money in the hopes of opening a European style restaurant in her northeastern Thailand hometown. When Ozawa is commissioned to visit Laos, she accompanies him to introduce him to her family and childhood friends. Tomita Katsura is an independent Japanese film director well known for his previous film Saudade(2011). The rough-around-the-edges feel of Bangkok Nites, his fourth, is primarily due to its low budget, but it is effectively used to reflect the jungle-like reality of his subject. Yet Asia, still reeling from World War II and colonialism, is depicted in a painful yet humane way. The Laotian grassland scene, in which one sees evidence of this painful history, aptly sums up this three-hour tour de force. (PARK Sungho)