Review of In the Realm of the Senses (1976) by Reece L — 02 Dec 2015

While transgressive cinema is usually immensely boring and self-satisfied given its supposedly "daring" nature, In the Realm of the Senses actually feels substantial given the politically rebellious nature of its existence and the legitimate story it communicates through near-constant sex scenes.

While I can't help but find it problematic that a picture meant to operate as an act of opposition to its country's strict set of social mores centers around a couple destroyed by an obsession with sex, literally watching various major historical events go by without ever acknowledging them lest they waste one second that they could devote to sex, it's certainly possible to see this as a representation of the consequences of the oppressive societal stigmas around the act so I'm choosing to give it a pass.

The sets are gorgeous, the performances are excellent (obviously, given what the actors are asked to do) and if it feels repetitive, that's more than certainly intentional and helps articulate the film's point.

While it's easier to admire this film than enjoy it, it's an undeniable piece of filmmaking with a point and that deserves to be praised.