Originally released under the name of Moon & Cherry in 2004 as part of the Love Collection, writer/director Yuki Tanada's film is being given new life by the folks at MVDVisual Entertainment under the name Electric Button. Mayama (Noriko Eguchi) is the lone female in a university erotic writing club in the process of penning a collection of erotic short stories that they intend to publish and sell. An introverted young man joins the group, Tadokoro (Tasuku Nagaoka), and Mayama quickly decides to reverse the discovered knowledge that he's a virgin. She decides to introduce him to a variety of sexual indulgences and, in the process, perhaps get through the serious case of writer's block from which she's suffering.

She starts out the teacher. Does she become the student?

Tanada has made several films since this one, growing in her filmmaking prowess and as a strong female cinematic voice from Japan. These two young performers are a delight and nicely convey both their budding sexuality and their awareness of perhaps more lingering on the horizon. Their passion for writing is strong as well, and Tanada brings that love and passion to life. Electric Button is obviously a lower budgeted film, yet Tanada works well within her budget and creates a film that emphasizes story and character above all else. While the themes of love and sex aren't exactly unheard of in cinema, this film is infused with an overall likeability and enthusiasm that makes it incredibly enjoyable.

The packaging for the film is rather slight with the only extra being a trailer gallery. This, perhaps, is the only disappointment as it would be nice to hear from a director whose voice remains strong in Japanese cinema.

© Written by Richard Propes 
The Independent Critic