In The Realm of the Senses ("Ai No Corrida")

Director: Nagisa Oshima
Starring: Tatsuya Fuji, Eiko Matsuda
Year: 1976

Based on a true story set in pre-war Japan, a man and one of his servants begin a torrid affair. Their desire becomes a sexual obsession so strong that to intensify their ardor, they forsake all, even life itself.

Comments: Widely banned when it was first released, even today the film still generates controversy: is it pornography, or is it an artistic allegory of Japanese politics in the 1960 and 1970s. Either way, the film is extremely expressive and intense.

Recommended.

Cherry Blossoms: Hanami ("Kirschbluten")

Director: Doris Dörrie
Starring: Elmar Wepper, Hannalore Elsner, Aya Irizuki
Year: 2008

The film follows a grieving widower’s journey to Japan and a new understanding of both his late wife and himself.

Comments: Inspired by Ozu's "A Tokyo Story", the film focuses on a father's disaffected relationship with his three grown children (ala King Lear). The first half of the film which is set in Germany is listless and somewhat predictable. But the second half, set among the cherry blossoms in Japan, is captivating.

Recommended.

Happiness ("Le Bonheur")

Director: Agnes Varda
Starring: Jean-Claude Drouot, Claire Drouot, marie-France Boyer
Year: 1965

Francois is a young carpenter married with Therese. They have two little children. All goes well, life is beautiful, the sun shines and the birds sing. One day, Francois meets Emilie, they fall in love and become lovers. He still loves his wife and wants to share his new greater happiness with her.

Comments: When the film first was screened in the 1960s, it was very controversial due its frank portrayal of infidelity and open sexuality, and the insensitivity of a widower and his lover following his wife's death. Seen through the lens of current cinematography and social norms, after more than 40 years that controversy seems very dated. But the film, with its bright, optimistic colors, and its naively idyllic view of the world, is still intriguing and the questions raised still relevant. At the time Varda made the film, she had mostly wanted an excuse to spend time experiencing the quintessential French country picnic -- hence the film was shot mostly set in the country. Claire Drouot, who plays the wife, is the real-life of Jean-Claude. In spite of (or because of) the film's theme and their roles in the film, they have been married for nearly 50 years.

Recommended.