Review of Woman in the Dunes (1964) by Erminio K — 13 Jun 2009
Brilliant hypnotizing movie. Teshigahara investigates the human quest for freedom and the reason to live in a battle in vain against nature and society. He brings up some fundamental existentialistic questions and focuses our minds on the essential basic details of life like eating, drinking, work, washing and sex. The setting, dialogues and camera are concentrated on these things in a way that encourages you to think about them.
But where a lot of movies fail in the search for philosophical profundity, Teshigahara succeeds with a fascinating story supported by sublime subtle and sensual directing and filming. The way he catches the extensiveness of the waving sand dunes (David - Lawrence of Arabia - Lean, eat your heart out) and the claustrophobic isolation of the sand hole is magnificent. The rhythm, the photography, the impressive close-up's, they all intensify the story in an impressive way. The pictures of the physical relation between the man and the woman, from fighting to making love (mainly suggestive, you don't see anything) are loaded with an erotic tension.
Top acting performances of both Eiji Okada, as the entomologist, and Kyoko Kishida, as the mysterious seducing woman living in a sand hole. The careful coordinated directing of Teshigahara brings their characters to life in a way that makes you sympathize as well as identify yourself with their situation.
For me one of the best, probably the best Japanese movie ever.
This review of Woman in the Dunes (1964) was written by Erminio K on 13 Jun 2009.
Woman in the Dunes has generally received very positive reviews.
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