Classic Japanese Films 2: Erotic Stories

Again, my new Roku 3 and HULU are allowing me to re-watch a number of classic Japanese films that I haven't seen in a long, long time.

The Japanese are masters of erotic films that tap you on the shoulder and hold on to your attention. In the past week or so, I've watched three of them: Onibaba ("Demon Hag," pronounced OH-ni-bah-bah), In the Realm of the Senses (AI no korida in Japanese, l'Empire des sens in French), and Woman in the Dunes (Suna no Onna)

Onibaba

There's a jealous woman about and she's after a man who's seduced her daughter-in-law. Heck, the demon mask alone is enough to give you the shivers and keep the light on at night.

Director: Kaneto Shindō. Released: 1964. Length: 103 minutes

In the Realm of the Senses

It's a true story. She's got passion in her soul ... and so does he. And, apparently, so does the director. Gotta warn you, there's explicit sexual activity on the screen. Explicit.

Director Nagisa Oshima. Released 1976 (France and Japan), 1977 (US). Length: 108 minutes

Woman in the Dunes

An entomologist falls into a sand pit and can't get out. Luckily (?) there's a young woman there with whom he eventually connects. Unfortunately, he can't get out; the villagers won't let him. What?

Director: Hiroshi Teshigahara. Released: 1964. Length: 123 minutes (147 minutes director's cut)