"Seishun Zankoku Monogatari (Cruel Story of Youth)" is the second film directed by 28-year-old Nagisa Oshima and, while hardly the year's best Japanese film, it is nevertheless of more than usual interest. A young girl (Miyuki Kuwano), restless, wanting excitement and experience, takes to accepting rides from men she does not know. A student friend (Yusuke Kawazu) rescues her from the advances of one of the middle-aged drivers but, sensing her vulnerability, takes her on a speed-boat ride and rapes her.