Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo review

Find a new appreciation for all things creepy-crawly...

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Wonderfully titled docu-essay from American writer/director Jessica Oreck that probes Japan’s fascination with insects.

We meet a Ferrari-driving pro beetle hunter and a man who keeps crickets as pets; observe shops, fairs and vending machines devoted to creepy-crawlies; and visit popular viewing stations for fireflies.

It doesn’t follow a linear path, and there’s only one significant talking-head figure (the philosophical scientist Dr Takeshi Yoro), but there’s a hypnotic quality to its flow of images, allowing the viewer to see the insect world anew.