it will never be recognized as such... mainly because it is such a low-key film, and no one really knows it... but i think it is one of the best ever made...
mostly, this has to do with the liberating structure of the film... the growing abstractness...the silent, yet musical pacing... i think its a perfect film.
by the way, i love the long walk scene.
Personally, I love this film too. This type of movie would never be made in the West. You just have to applaud the decision to tell a story centered in the world of a fetish prostitute and having the guts show glimpses of that environment without pulling any punches. This is honest movie making without the saccharine Hollywood formula. But then Japan doesn't have to deal with the MPAA Morality Police.
shareI saw this film a year ago. I don't remember it being a realistic portrayal of sado-masochism. A sado-masochistic realationship always involves a masochist, and someone who 'pretends' to be a sadist. The masochist is always in control - the pressure always being on the so called dominatrix.
The lead character in this film is being paid to have men stick needles in her and be humiliated. She was not a masochist, because she was forcing herself to
be in that situation, putting the sadist in control. No women on earth (or man), is going to put themselves into such a precarious situation.
For a great example of the S/M lifestyle, check out a book called Topping from Below. You go deep into the psychology of being a "sub" (submissive).
I disagree with your statement that "No women on earth (or man), is going to put themselves into such a precarious situation." People do it all day every day in America. There are dominatrices all over the world who make fabulous livings sticking needles in people and humiliating them. There are also subs who seek out partners who will dominate them.
You haven't read what he said.
shareThis is truly a great film,..way ahead of its time. Now with the surge of Korean films with brass....maybe we can all back pedal and watch this again.
THe actress, now a NYC fashion designer. was incredible. I have recently seen some Korean actress really put it all down for the art but man,...she was the first.
Always in my top ten.
-mouldyboats
Love the movie too, although I've only seen a butchered and dubbed 90min - version.
My favorite scenes are the one with Ai in the toilet, when she loses her vibrator, and the ending when she tries to get into the house of her former boyfriend.
For me one of the most melancholic and honest films ever made.
And it's actually in my personal Top Ten.
If you're wondering what its companions are: Barry Landon, Children of Paradise (1945), Dead Man, Ulysses' Gaze, Eureka (2000), City Lights, The Mother and the whore, Contempt,
and I can't decide between Pola X, Cyclo, Zabriskie Point, or Fingers ,yet.
http://imageart.blog.com/
and I can't decide between Pola X, Cyclo, Zabriskie Point, or Fingers ,yet.
I think Tartan should re-release it for today's audience, you're absolutely right about it being overlooked.
shareThe emotion in this film was overwhelming for me.
I felt for Ai very strongly...felt genuinely sad for her.
And that, in my good books...
makes it a triumphant film.
myspace.com/lexfulgore2
Agree, a very beautiful film. I cite it as a favourite as often as I can.
share