Plot: What’s it about?
This film is very visual in design, so I don’t feel I can do the storyline total justice, since images can spark ideas that words simply cannot describe. The basic storyline of this film is simple, but as the plot unfolds, you’ll discover there is much more below the surface, if you take the time to pay attention. In an effort to preserve as much as possible, I will write something along the lines of the synopsis found on the case, which states it well enough. An affair springs up between an ex-prostitute and the master of the house she now works as a servant, when things spiral out of control, with passion taking over both people. While things started out on a simple level, both find themselves wanting each other more and more, leaving all else behind, to pursue their relationship of brutal, unbridled passion.
I have read some reviews for this disc at another site, and I found myself laughing at how inept one reviewer was. His main flaw with this film was that he found it to be closer to porn than a real film, and that the film seemed overly stylish and artsy. He panned the film as overdramatic porn, and claimed reviewers who liked the film were either lying or crazy. While that reviewer is the typical movie goer, who thinks anything except Armageddon and The Sixth Sense is cinematic garbage, I feel I need to review the film, for those of us who have a wide taste in films, not just Hollywood blockbusters, like said reviewer. While this film isn’t for everyone, there is an audience out there who likes foreign films as well as stylish and bold cinema. The film does use a heavy dose of graphic sexual activity and nudity, which the mentioned reviewer blasted the movie for, yet in previous reviews for American mainstream films, has remarked he wanted to see more nudity…some people, go figure. If you’re a fan of stylish foreign cinema, and have an open mind, give this film a chance, if nothing else, it’s bold and original in it’s approach and content. And to that reviewer who panned this film, I say this. If you’d take your mind out of the gutter, you’d see this movie is about more sex. Don’t review a movie if you can’t even watch the whole thing, Ebert, Jr., and do us all a favor, stick to more simple movies, like Flubber, will ya?
This film was written and directed by Nagisha Oshima, who might not be a household name to all of you, but is a fine director. Oshima takes some big risks with this film, but his vision comes through, even if ignored by many who misunderstand the message. The visuals are pretty good as well, with some good placement and movement to accentuate the on screen visuals. Oshima’s camera is not shy, putting into the open what American directors are forced to hide, and the film is more powerful because this boldness. Other Oshima films include Youth On Ice, Sing A Song Of Sex, and The Pleasures Of The Flesh. The acting in this films calls for some sexually charged acts, so I imagine it was not easy to find skilled actors who would do the on screen actions. However, this movie has what porn can never find, quality acting, and lots of it. The talented cast found here includes Tatsuya Fuji (In The Realm of Passion, The Friendly Killer), Aoi Nakajima (Fire Festival), Eiko Matsuda (Detective Doberman), and Meika Seri (World of Geisha).
Video: How does it look?
In The Realm Of The Senses is presented in a 1.66:1 widescreen transfer, which is not enhanced for widescreen televisions. Due to the age of this film, the print shows some nicks and wear spots, which are not too bad. While a restoration would have been nice, the demand would not have justified spending the cash. The colors are muted a bit, due to the soft print wear, but the tones still push through, and flesh tones are natural for the most part. The contrast is a little bright, again due to the print softness, but no detail is overshined.
Audio: How does it sound?
The stereo track more than handles this title, since the film uses dialogue and some music, neither of which demand much power from the speakers. The music is not soundtrack as much as mere background tunes, so the low profile taken by it is justified. Dialogue is crisp and clear, but I’d like an original language track, in addition to the included English dub.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This release contains production credits, weblinks, filmographies, and awards.
