Midori (1992), originally titled Shôjo Tsubaki: Chika Gentô Gekiga, is a deeply unsettling and artistically bold animated film that adapts Suehiro Maruo's controversial manga. Directed by Hiroshi Harada, this Japanese horror-drama unfolds over 55 intense minutes, immersing viewers in a grim world where innocence is brutally shattered. The plot centers on Midori, a young orphan girl who, after losing her mother, finds herself in a traveling freak-show circus. Instead of refuge, she encounters relentless abuse and rape from the grotesque performers, painting a stark portrait of human depravity. Her bleak existence takes a turn with the arrival of an enigmatic magician, who offers a glimmer of twisted hope and fascination amid the darkness.

The film's animation style is raw and expressive, enhancing its horror elements with surreal, nightmarish visuals that linger in the mind. Despite its low IMDb rating of 6.3, Midori has garnered a cult following for its unflinching exploration of taboo themes and its powerful, albeit disturbing, narrative. The performances, conveyed through voice acting and visual storytelling, effectively capture the characters' despair and malevolence, making the experience profoundly impactful.

Viewers should watch Midori for its artistic courage and as a standout piece in adult animation. It challenges conventions with its blend of drama and horror, offering a thought-provoking look at survival and corruption. However, due to its graphic content, it's recommended for mature audiences seeking unconventional cinema. Stream it online to witness a unique, albeit harrowing, chapter in Japanese animation history.