MovieChat Forums > The Pillow Book (1997) Discussion > Tattoos, desire and violence

Tattoos, desire and violence

posted 15 years ago by dark_valkyrie
7 replies | jump to latest

I found this book called "Tattoos, desire and violence", by Karin Elizabeth Beeler, which offers some interesting perspectives on "The Pillow Book". You have to look for the parts concerning the film, as it deals with many other themes, but those are also worth reading.

Here is an excerpt: (SPOILERS)
"After Jerome's death, Nagiko has the text of this book [The Book Of The Lover] tattooed onto her breast in blue-black and orange-red, with a design that incorporates the last calligraphic writing on Jerome's body, thus symbolizing a re-union with Jerome and the restoration of her own text. This tattoo is somewhat reminiscent of the practices of Japanese courtesans who tattooed "kisho bori" (promise engravings) on hidden parts of their bodies, visible only when naked or in the act of love."

In case anyone is interested, here is the link for the complete book:
http://books.google.com/books?id=8Dr20q5TKx8C&pg=PA84&lpg=PA84&dq=26+Facts+About+Flesh+and+Ink&source=bl&ots=1ZPQIdQ9xB&sig=dG7XiIihPUtus7c2tyVMTIzWDYg&hl=en&ei=D7xsSqerOo-5jAePhdWrCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2

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[–] el_diablo2003 14 years ago

thanks for the spoiler warning.

[–] dark_valkyrie 14 years ago

I'm sorry, I completely forgot about it while writing the post. You're absolutely right, though, and the post's already been edited.

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[–] VelvetBabe 14 years ago

Very interesting ... thank you. And as far as any spoiler warnings ... this film is like 15 yrs old for f--k's sake.

[–] dark_valkyrie 14 years ago

You're welcome! :)

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[–] el_diablo2003 14 years ago

Your point? Plenty of people come to IMDb before seeing a movie to figure out if it's worth their time. I didn't flip out, I merely pointed out that it would have been nice, and the OP's response was considerate, I think.

[–] 14 years ago

[deleted]

[–] chilone 8 years ago

Why do people seem to think that older movie boards don't need spoiler alerts? Not everyone sees movies when they first come out. I STILL haven't seen Casablanca!

I don't love her.. She kicked me in the face!!