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In the Realm of the Senses
In the Realm of the Senses
7.7
/10
11,571 Ratings

IN THE REALM OF THE SENSES

愛のコリーダ | Ai no korīda

Directed by Nagisa Ôshima
Japan, France, 1976
Drama, History, Romance

Synopsis

Sade Abe is a former geisha working as a hotel maid in pre-World War II Japan. After she begins a torrid affair with the owner, they become completely infatuated. Their experimental sexual encounters spiral into an all-consuming and destructive love affair where even life is worth sacrificing.

Synopsis

Sade Abe is a former geisha working as a hotel maid in pre-World War II Japan. After she begins a torrid affair with the owner, they become completely infatuated. Their experimental sexual encounters spiral into an all-consuming and destructive love affair where even life is worth sacrificing.

Our take

Opening the 1976 Quinzaine, Nagisa Oshima’s widely-banned and barrier-breaking classic no doubt remains one of the most controversial films of all time. A provocative depiction of disturbing sexual obsession, and, equally, an incendiary (if overshadowed!) critique of Japanese society.