Midori (1992), originally titled Shôjo Tsubaki, is a deeply unsettling and artistically bold animated film from Japan that adapts Suehiro Maruo's controversial manga. Directed by Hiroshi Harada, this 55-minute feature plunges viewers into a nightmarish world where a young orphaned girl, Midori, is thrust into a grotesque freak-show circus after losing her mother. The circus, far from a place of wonder, becomes a hellscape of exploitation, as Midori endures relentless physical and sexual abuse from its monstrous performers. Her fragile existence finds a fleeting glimmer of hope with the arrival of an enigmatic and gentle magician, offering a poignant contrast to the pervasive cruelty.

The film's power lies in its unflinching visual style, using detailed, grotesque animation to mirror the psychological horror of its narrative. It is a challenging watch, not recommended for the faint of heart, due to its explicit and disturbing content exploring themes of innocence corrupted, trauma, and survival. The direction is uncompromising, creating a claustrophobic and oppressive atmosphere that makes Midori's plight viscerally real. Despite its low IMDb rating of 6.3, which reflects its extreme nature, the film is a significant cult work for those interested in the boundaries of animation and avant-garde horror.

Viewers should watch Midori for its raw, artistic audacity and as a stark socio-cultural critique. It is a film that demands engagement, offering no easy answers but presenting a haunting portrait of resilience in the face of absolute depravity. Its short runtime delivers a concentrated, impactful experience that lingers long after the credits roll, cementing its status as a unique and provocative piece of Japanese cinema.