Ai No Corrida (1976, JAP/FRA) C-102m. **½ D: Nagisa Oshima. Starring Tatsuya Fuji, Eiko Matsuda, Aoi Nakajima, Yasuko Matsui, Meika Seri. Classic Japanese sex drama focusing on the obsessive love affair between Fuji and Matsuda. Especially the woman becomes addicted to sex and develops an obsession with the male sex organ. Openly sexual, erotic character study may be considered pornography by some, though there is some value in the going-ons. Written by the director. Based on a true story that took place in 1936, previously filmed as JITSUROKU ABE SADA (1975). Followed by a sequel, AI NO BOREI (1978). English title: IN THE REALM OF THE SENSES, and EMPIRE OF THE SENSES.


© Ron Altman