A Woman Called Abe Sada [1975] [DVD]

This film is shot on a lower budget that the Oshima classic, and suffers by comparison, but if viewed in its own right it does contribute its own touches to the telling of an intriguing tale of passion.

In contrast to the Oshima film, one sees more events outside the closeted atmosphere of Sada and Kichi's hotel room, particularly the consequences of the events in the key scenes. A nice touch is the use of authentic looking Japanese newspaper coverage of the real events, and a voice over by Sada describing her life on the run. From time to time we are made aware of tensions in the outside political world, although these realities intrude little into the lovers' domain.

The tone of the film is at times lighter, using gentle humour, than Ai No Corrida, particularly in the earlier scenes. The pair are, after all, infatuated lovers caught up in their private world. Sada's first, teasing, display of jealousy allows here to assert her position against the possible threat of Kichi's family ties, and as she playfully chases Kichi, brandishing a knife, she makes the point that she requires his complete devotion and loyalty.

Sada is in some ways an innocent (although we learn more of her history later in the film) who begins to recognise her power over Kichi as the film develops. As she watches him lick the blood from the wound she has carved on her arm, her eyes are transfixed on his slavish act, with no apparent awareness of her pain. With her increased realisation of her power, her mood, and that of the film, darkens.

Despite the highly unusual nature of the plot, the actors playing Sada and Kichi are convincing throughout.

Overall I would say that this is not a great film, but it is an interesting example of Japanese cinema from the 1970s, and certainly worth a look for those who enjoy cult Asian cinema.

This film is shot on a lower budget that the Oshima classic, and suffers by comparison, but if viewed in its own right it does contribute its own touches to the telling of an intriguing tale of passion.

In contrast to the Oshima film, one sees more events outside the closeted atmosphere of Sada and Kichi's hotel room, particularly the consequences of the events in the key scenes. A nice touch is the use of authentic looking Japanese newspaper coverage of the real events, and a voice over by Sada describing her life on the run. From time to time we are made aware of tensions in the outside political world, although these realities intrude little into the lovers' domain.

The tone of the film is at times lighter, using gentle humour, than Ai No Corrida, particularly in the earlier scenes. The pair are, after all, infatuated lovers caught up in their private world. Sada's first, teasing, display of jealousy allows here to assert her position against the possible threat of Kichi's family ties, and as she playfully chases Kichi, brandishing a knife, she makes the point that she requires his complete devotion and loyalty.

Sada is in some ways an innocent (although we learn more of her history later in the film) who begins to recognise her power over Kichi as the film develops. As she watches him lick the blood from the wound she has carved on her arm, her eyes are transfixed on his slavish act, with no apparent awareness of her pain. With her increased realisation of her power, her mood, and that of the film, darkens.

Despite the highly unusual nature of the plot, the actors playing Sada and Kichi are convincing throughout.

Overall I would say that this is not a great film, but it is an interesting example of Japanese cinema from the 1970s, and certainly worth a look for those who enjoy cult Asian cinema.