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Poster for In the Realm of the Senses

In the Realm of the Senses

Seen it?

1976 | 102 min | Drama, Romance

Saturday Special

Why it’s a Saturday Special

It earned strong reviews (84% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest, despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for romantics. If you loved Amadeus, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Warm and romantic.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 42 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated NC-17: expect sex.
  • It's in Japanese, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Made in 1976: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

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.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    84% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.6 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $8 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 239K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Nagisa Ōshima

  • Eiko MatsudaSada Abe
  • Tatsuya FujiKichizo Ishida
  • Aoi NakajimaToku
  • Yasuko MatsuiTagawa Inn Manager
  • Meika SeriMatsuko (Yoshidaya Maid)
  • Kanae KobayashiOld Geisha Kikuryû
  • Taiji TonoyamaOld Beggar
  • Kyōji KokonoeTeacher Ômiya
  • Naomi ShiraishiGeisha Yaeji
  • Shinkichi NodaStreet Restaurant Owner