Midori (1992), originally titled Shôjo Tsubaki: Chika Gentô Gekiga, is a profoundly disturbing and controversial animated film from Japan that delves into the darkest corners of human depravity. Based on Suehiro Maruo's infamous manga, the story follows a young orphaned girl named Midori who, after losing her mother, is taken in by a traveling freak-show circus. Instead of finding refuge, she endures relentless physical and sexual abuse from the grotesque performers, plunging her into a nightmare of exploitation and despair. Her bleak existence finds a flicker of hope with the arrival of an enigmatic magician, whose presence offers a complex mix of potential salvation and further mystery.

Directed by Hiroshi Harada, who single-handedly animated the film over five years, Midori is a technical marvel of hand-drawn artistry, yet its content is intensely harrowing. The animation style, reminiscent of silent-era expressionism, amplifies the grotesque and surreal atmosphere, making every frame feel claustrophobic and unsettling. The film's low IMDb rating of 6.3 reflects its polarizing nature—it's not for the faint of heart, but it has garnered a cult following for its unflinching exploration of trauma and its unique aesthetic.

Viewers should watch Midori online for its historical significance in underground animation and as a stark artistic statement on suffering and resilience. It's a film that challenges audiences, blending horror and drama to critique societal neglect and abuse. While deeply unsettling, its powerful direction and raw emotional core make it a memorable, if difficult, cinematic experience for those interested in avant-garde or cult Japanese animation.