The Dream of Garuda

A convicted rapist, Ikuo is released from prison and goes in pursuit of the woman he raped, Mieko. The film is set in Japan's notorious 'soaplands' - areas where young women offer bathing and massage to men, as a way around the laws prohibiting prostitution. Inspired by the folklore surrounding the mythical Hindu God, Garuda, who is regarded as evil but worshiped as the protector of Buddhism.