Review of In the Realm of the Senses (1976) by David L — 15 Dec 2008

In the Realm of the Senses is a film that has divided opinions among those that have seen it (a number that is not too big thanks to the film being banned in many countries across the globe), but love it or hate it; you have to admit that In the Realm of the Senses is certainly very interesting. The plot is allegedly (according to the epilogue) based on a true story, although I would describe it as a more hardcore version of the 1969 Pinku film 'Blind Beast'; although In the Realm of the Senses is a really different experience and could not in any way be considered a copy of the earlier film. The plot primarily focuses on love and obsession, and we get two central characters. They are Kichizo and Sada and the pair meet and fall in love rather quickly. It's not long before they are spending every waking minute together; and most of the time they spend is naked, engaging in sex all the time. Sada soon becomes infatuated with Kichizo and as their relationship becomes more and more intimate, things begin to spiral out of control.

This film is somewhat unique for the fact that it's both Japanese and features gratuitous, full-on nudity. The film really doesn't hold back either, and one of the most shocking things about is how seeing the two central characters naked for most of the film doesn't seem like anything out of the ordinary. There's some hardcore and explicit sex scenes too, with blow jobs, anal etc featuring often. The film is sometimes passed off as merely pornography, but it's not a fair statement to make about the film. While it certainly is very pornographic, it's clear that director Nagisa Oshima valued telling a story over shocking his audience and the gratuitous nudity exists to further the point that the film is trying to make. The film is very well made; the cinematography is beautiful and all the performers do well; Eiko Matsuda in particular is excellent as the obsessive leading lady. It's clear that the film is building up to something and while the conclusion is hinted at early on; it's still shocking enough once it arrives. Overall, this is a fantastic film and a must see for cult fans.