Review of In the Realm of the Senses (1976) by Tasha W — 18 May 2009

Did I really just see that??! Where to begin... Before I had matured into actually "watching" movies, I used to think that the woman bellowing and moaning on the top level of a penthouse in Predator 2 was gratuitous.

Glad I saw that first. Although, in the end, In the Realm of the Senses isn't a porn film, nor is it trying to be. It actually reminded me of another japanese film from the late 60s called Blind Beast, where a man's obsession with art (and "senses") evolves into something far more horrible and sadistic than he could imagine.

Eiko Matsuda, the main actress, has easily taken on the hardest role any legitimate actress could be offered. At first, she and her lover are deathly in love, sharing passionate and intimate moments that seem to defy the notions of time, making everything stop.

What distinguishes this film from actually being a porno is the plot that ensues, and the possibility that sex, as powerful and earth-shattering as it is, can lead to something far more wretched and downright evil.

Viewers beware, there is full-on nudity, penetration, lots of taboo for contemporary cinema (at least the last 30 years), but I'm glad I saw it. Nothing now, then, or possibly ever will come close to this film.