Movielogr

In the Realm of the Senses (1976)

Directed by Nagisa Ōshima

Romance | Drama | History

Overview

A passionate telling of the story of Sada Abe, a woman whose affair with her master led to an obsessive and ultimately destructive sexual relationship.

Length 105 minutes

Actors

Tatsuya Fuji | Eiko Matsuda | Aoi Nakajima | Meika Seri | Mariko Abe | Tomi Mitsuboshi | Hiroko Fuji | Taiji Tonoyama | 白石 奈緒美 | Machiko Aoki | Yuriko Azuma | Kiyomi Yasuda | Rei Minami | Komikichi Hori | Kyôko Okada | Kikuhei Matsunoya | Yasuko Matsui | Kyôji Kokonoe | Hitomi Fukuhara | Katsue Tamiyama | Shinkichi Noda | Kanae Kobayashi | Akiko Koyama | Kimiko Ishii

Viewing History (seen 1 time)

Date ViewedDeviceFormatSourceRating
10/03/2014Movie ScreenFilmTheater8 stars
 

Viewing Notes

First film in the Nagisa Oshima retrospective at Siskel Film Center happening throughout October. Was looking forward to viewing this on the big screen in 35 despite the rather lewd content, which was even more than I expected. Seriously.

Has much as I’ve known about the film I still wasn’t anticipating such graphic sex scenes. Made for a very interesting viewing at the theater. I sat in the front row but wished I had been in the back to note if anyone was walking out. Definitely not a movie for the casual moviegoer.

Really love the lengths that Oshima went to shock and titillate yet maintain an honest depiction of two lovers and their addiction to each other and to sex. Not sure if my Criterion disc has a commentary but I’d love to hear more about the making of such a provocative film.

I will have to view again since the first hour of my screening was marred by old man sitting behind me loudly chomping on popcorn. First this is not a popcorn movie. Secondly as much as I glared back at this old man and his open mouth munching he seemed to make it worse. Easily one of the most frustrating and distracting situations I’ve experienced, which is saying a lot. Rather than focusing on the movie my attention was on this asshat and how unconcerned he was for his behavior.

I regret not saying something to him before the movie started. Afterwards I wanted to confront him but decided against that in hopes I don’t ever have to encounter him again.

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