Review of In the Realm of the Senses (1976) by Jeff D — 30 Jun 2009
Second in my survey of Criterion films available on Hulu Plus, In the Realm of the Senses is an incredibly graphic tale of sexual obsession. I get it, which is why I'm rating it three stars. But about 2/3 or the way through I was begging for the inevitable to just happen already so I could move on.
Tons of sexual imagery, but it's all too frank and clinical to be erotic, and it eventually devolves into scary. Plus, there is such an overload of sex that it honestly got pretty boring, and I found myself comparing the film to Star Wars episode 3, where the characters prattle on nonsensically in the foreground while all the film's beauty unfolds in the background.
I know the director is making a point, but I can't make myself rate any movie higher than 3 stars where I would prefer to admire the lighting effects in the hallway or the flickering candle, or the sunset seen abstractly through the window than actually watch the actors continue to debase themselves on screen.
This review of In the Realm of the Senses (1976) was written by Jeff D on 30 Jun 2009.
In the Realm of the Senses has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
