Review of Woman in the Dunes (1964) by Jesse F — 13 Jan 2008
I have discussed this film several times with colleagues, and we have concluded that "Woman in the Dunes" is the most important film about the human condition ever made, next to Bergman's "The Seventh Seal.
" Hiroshi Teshigahara, that bright star of a director that burned out so quickly in the sixties, has brilliantly structured his film. The story, involving a man from the city who is kidnapped by villagers in the desert to be the workmate of a native woman, could have stumbled in so many places, especially as they develop a sexual relationship.
But Teshigahara knew the road he wanted to go down, and he stayed on that road. The result is a film that questions the nature of modernization, the proper places of men and women, the social divide of mankind, between the modern sophisticates and Marx's rural idiots, and ultimately man's role within his own life and the life of his community, and then, the world.
It's a spectacular achievement, featuring great performances, a brilliant cinematic style, and an unbeatable story. This was truly Teshigahara's ultimate masterpiece, a perfect companion to his flawed masterpieces "The Face of Another" and "Pitfall.
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This review of Woman in the Dunes (1964) was written by Jesse F on 13 Jan 2008.
Woman in the Dunes has generally received very positive reviews.
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