Search - In the Realm of the Senses - Criterion Collection on DVD


In the Realm of the Senses - Criterion Collection
In the Realm of the Senses - Criterion Collection
Actors: Tatsuya Fuji, Akiko Koyama, Eiko Matsuda, Aoi Nakajima, Meika Seri
Director: Nagisa Oshima
Genres: Indie & Art House, Drama
R     2009     1hr 42min

Still censored in its own country, In the Realm of the Senses (Ai no corrida), by Japanese director Nagisa Oshima, remains one of the most controversial films of all time. A graphic portrayal of insatiable sexual desire, O...  more »

     

Larger Image

Movie Details

Actors: Tatsuya Fuji, Akiko Koyama, Eiko Matsuda, Aoi Nakajima, Meika Seri
Director: Nagisa Oshima
Genres: Indie & Art House, Drama
Sub-Genres: Indie & Art House, Love & Romance
Studio: Criterion Collection
Format: DVD - Color,Widescreen - Subtitled
DVD Release Date: 04/28/2009
Original Release Date: 01/01/1976
Theatrical Release Date: 01/01/1976
Release Year: 2009
Run Time: 1hr 42min
Screens: Color,Widescreen
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaDVD Credits: 1
Total Copies: 0
Members Wishing: 18
Edition: Special Edition,Criterion Collection
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Languages: Japanese
Subtitles: English
See Also:

Similar Movies

Romance
Director: Catherine Breillat
5
   UR   2002   1hr 24min
Shortbus
Unrated Edition
Director: John Cameron Mitchell
   UR   2007   1hr 41min
 

Member Movie Reviews

Damian M. (ratchet)
Reviewed on 3/11/2009...
Wow! This was great. A Japanese film that cannot be shown in Japan in full due to censorship. Hardcore and brutal - this is the story of a maid girl and her married master and their torrid love affair.

Movie Reviews

Eroticism at its finest
Ken2001 | Memphis, TN | 07/29/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)

"This movie is probably the most erotic film that I've seen to date (pornos notwithstanding). It is a movie about obsession and what can happen when it gets out of control, something that this movie demonstrates well. However, I wished the movie had delved into the background of the characters, especially Sada's. If the audience watching this film knew about Sada's past, where she was raped and then outcaste by her wealthy family because of it, I think the audience would have a better understanding about the reason for Sada's behavior. Still, despite that and an undeveloped plot, the movie is still entertaining. However, if you want to see a more sanitized version of this story, which is based on an actual event that took place in Tokyo in 1936, then get "A Woman Called Sada Abe", which is available on both VHS and DVD. From what I've heard, it doesn't have nearly as much sex and nudity as "In the Realm of the Senses", which is a good thing for people who are easily offended by it. Personally, I liked the sex scenes, which I felt were tasteful and elegant, unlike what would normally be found in a pornographic movie. There was a lot of emotion displayed in those scenes, and that gave it a certain romantic, authentic dimension to it. For that reason alone, I will watch it again and again."
ASTOUNDING EROTICA.....
Mark Norvell | HOUSTON | 10/22/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an amazing film to watch. Not only is it beautifully filmed but the atmosphere is quite vivid in its' depiction of a Japanese servant girl who becomes mistress of the master of the house and sexually obsessed with their relationship. She leads him deeper into the sexual realm until it becomes the focus of both their lives. Their relationship becomes so intense that it can only lead to destruction. Film is extremely sexually graphic and to be honest, I wasn't even aware that I was watching "pornography" because the acting and story were so mesmerizing. By then, I didn't care because it wasn't offensive---just honest. The two leads are wonderful actors and they made me forget I was watching a supposedly one-time controversial film. The film is supposedly based on a true incident. The ending is shocking and depressing but that's allegedly what happened. I consider this film a classic and a must see for foreign film buffs. It's one of the most beautiful erotic love stories ever made and one of the most disturbing."
Serious Minded Erotica......
vetridarte@earthlink.net | Denver, Colorado USA | 12/19/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)

"Nagisa Oshima has achieved what few other directors have managed in dealing with the very touchy subject of sex, in this instance, with sexual obsession. If you plan to watch this movie for a cheap sexual thrill, you will be most disappointed. Oshima has drawn from a real incident reported in a 1936 Japanese newspaper. The film centers around the love between two people expressed physically, graphically, into realms of the senses where few dare to tread. And with good reason. This is a very intense film as it progresses from the attraction of two people through increasing experimentation in an effort not only to express their passion but to try to find the outer most limits of passion itself. Oshima must have had something metaphorical in mind but the journey as chronicled in the film also has retained the feel of the specifics. It's quirkey and eccentric. The backdrop of the story is as interesting as the story itself. It is an amazing spectacle to observe, giving the viewer a perspective on Japanese life not usually rendered but often alluded to in some historical accounts. One wonders what this experience must have been like for the actors. Oshima has managed what I have always believed should be done in order to treat the subject of sex fully and without shrinking from its' less savory aspects. This is serious minded erotica and quite unlike anything else on screen. The only other film I can recall that compares at all is "Taxi Zum Klo" which was autobiographical and starred a number of actual people playing themselves.Obviously a different catagory in that regard from what is going on here, but both films draw much of their power from explicitly sexual scenes without compromising the integrity of the story being told. This is a film experience that should not be missed."