In the Realm of the Senses
Nagisa Oshima's 1976 film In the Realm of the Senses is like a 20th Century Romeo and Juliet where the star-crossed couple neglect to bother with love and instead focus on sex alone. The film chronicles the relationship, between one-time servant Sada and her master turned lover Kichi-San, as the sex grows increasingly violent and compulsive. The film was jarring in its willingness to play out entire sex scenes, in bright lighting and with bodily gaffes intact.
The film seems also to parallel the governmental fanaticism in Japan at the time (1936). The enthusiastic worship of an emperor and military that is engendered by subscription to fascist idealogy is mirrored by Sada and Kichi-San's idolization of their sexual compulsion -- unexamined and absolute.
Sexual candor is on display with nearly every character - minor or major in the film. This is another jarring display opposed to traditional Japanese morality. There are rapes and sexual acts between strangers that are treated with the the characters enthusiastically, but not with much trepidation. This, combined with the nature of Sada and Kichi-San's relationship and ultimate demise, all depict a carnality that although real, is rarely shown on screen in such an unfiltered way.
Also, the "afternoon" lighting effect throughout the film which gives it a modern, lowly-lit, but crisp feel which is very cool.
