In the Realm of the Senses
A passionate telling of the story of Sada Abe, a woman whose affair with her master led to an obsessive and ultimately destructive sexual relationship.
Critics Sentiment
Sada cuts off Kichizo's penis after his death
The endless cycle of sexual activity becomes monotonous and draining
The film drops significantly during the repetitive middle section where endless sexual activity becomes tedious, before building to its shocking and acclaimed climactic sequence.
Critics were divided on this controversial masterpiece, praising its artistic merit and unflinching honesty while finding portions tedious and exhausting. The film builds from an intriguing sexual relationship through a sagging middle section of repetitive indulgence to a powerfully disturbing climax that most reviewers found unforgettable. Despite debates over art versus pornography, most acknowledged it as a unique and important work of cinema.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 24
Eiko Matsuda
Sada Abe
Tatsuya Fuji
Kichizo Ishida
Aoi Nakajima
Toku
Yasuko Matsui
Tagawa Inn Manager
Meika Seri
Matsuko (Yoshidaya Maid)
Kanae Kobayashi
Old Geisha Kikuryû
Taiji Tonoyama
Old Beggar
Kyōji Kokonoe
Teacher Ômiya
Naomi Shiraishi
Geisha Yaeji
Shinkichi Noda
Street Restaurant Owner
Komikichi Hori
Mitsuwa Geisha
Kikuhei Matsunoya
Hôkan Jester
Akiko Koyama
Mansaki Geisha
Yuriko Azuma
Mitsuwa Geisha
Rei Minami
Mitsuwa Geisha
Machiko Aoki
Mitsuwa Maid
Mariko Abe
Kinu (Yoshidaya Maid)
Kiyomi Yasuda
Mitsuwa Geisha
Hiroko Fuji
O-Tsune (Yoshidaya Head Maid)
Tomi Mitsuboshi
Chieko (Yoshidaya Maid)
Crew
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