Bastoni: The Stick Handlers (2000) Rating: Starring: Hitoshi Ishikawa, Amiko Kanetani, Kazuki Kitamura, Yuka Kojima, Shunsuke Matsuoka, Hideomi Nakazato, Taguchi Tomorowo Director: Kazuhiko Nakamura Category: Erotica Studio: TLA Releasing Subtitles: English Length: 97 mins     "Hilariously offbeat" - Philadelphia Weekly One of the few films to offer a refreshingly intelligent look into the adult video (AV) industry, Bastoni - The Stick Handlers is often absurdly funny, quietly tragic, and very revealing. Husband and wife Yamaguchi and Natsuki are young, attractive stars in Japanese adult films. When Natsuki retires to have a baby, Yamaguchi is surprised to learn that his ex-girlfriend Miyuki has befriended his pregnant wife. Miyuki left Yamaguchi when he first started appearing in adult films, and now she's back to show them both what poor lifestyle choices they've made. Formerly an assistant in the AV industry, first-time director Kazuiko Nakamura has created a wry comedy that probes the impact sexuality has on all our lives.