Hikaru Hayashi

Like the mystery of carnal attraction, Yasuzô Masumura’s infamous Edogawa Rampo adaptation defies all attempts at classification. Lending an arthouse flair to the fleshy thrills of pinku films, this handsomely grotesque tale of confinement trembles with the pleasure and the pain of erotic obsession.

From esteemed samurais to common thieves, the men in Yasuzô Masumura’s erotic and dangerous Edo tale are of the same pitiful breed. Daring to weaponize her branded—yet luscious—flesh as a deadly instrument, Ayako Wakao’s fallen seductress leaves a terrifying trail of foolish paramours at her feet.