Junji Sakamoto, who has mainly portrayed the world of men, presents the story of a woman this time in Face, yet maintains the same type of hero who resists existing social norms. Fat and unattractive Masako, who is in her late thirties, runs a laundry shop with her mother. Her introverted personality keeps her from venturing outside of her own world. One day, her mother suddenly passes away, and when conflict arises between her and younger sister, Masako strangles her to death and sets out on a journey to find her father, whom she believes will love her. She meets numerous people during her search, and begins to realize her meaning of existence, which in turn helps her do things she always desired but never could. This includes bike riding and swimming. By presenting Masako as a decisive and challenging figure, Junji Sakamoto attempts to break the pervasive idea within Japanese society that women are merely secondary beings to men. At the same time she seems to represent Junji Sakamoto′s dreams and ideals. Unfortunately, because Japanese women are rarely given the opportunity to escape from social rules and regulations, I evolution of Masako can come across as a bit unrealistic. (Kim Ji-Seok)