In the Realm of the Senses (35mm)
Opens September 2, 2026
September 2, 2026 | 7:15pm | SIFF Film Center
September 3, 2026 | 7:15pm | SIFF Film Center
50th anniversary of Nagisa Oshima’s controversial classic, presented by Grand Illusion Cinema in collaboration with SECS Fest.
A graphic portrayal of insatiable sexual desire, Oshima’s film, set in 1936 and based on a true incident, depicts a man and a woman (Tatsuya Fuji and Eiko Matsuda) consumed by a transcendent, destructive love while living in an era of ever-escalating imperialism and governmental control. Less a work of pornography than of politics, In the Realm of the Senses is a brave, taboo-breaking milestone, still censored in its own country.
September 3, 2026 | 7:15pm | SIFF Film Center
50th anniversary of Nagisa Oshima’s controversial classic, presented by Grand Illusion Cinema in collaboration with SECS Fest.
A graphic portrayal of insatiable sexual desire, Oshima’s film, set in 1936 and based on a true incident, depicts a man and a woman (Tatsuya Fuji and Eiko Matsuda) consumed by a transcendent, destructive love while living in an era of ever-escalating imperialism and governmental control. Less a work of pornography than of politics, In the Realm of the Senses is a brave, taboo-breaking milestone, still censored in its own country.
SIFF year-round passes and vouchers are not valid for this screening.
“An undeniably powerful, stylish and impressive piece of work.” — David Parkinson, Empire
“This is seriously provocative cinema, a telling reminder of what it really means to be dangerous.” — Trevor Johnston, Time Out
*No one under 18 admitted*
- Director: Nagisa Oshima
- Principal Cast: Eiko Matsuda, Tatsuya Fuji, Aoi Nakajima, Yasuko Matsui, Meika Seri
- Country: Japan
- Year: 1976
- Running Time: 102 min.
- Language: Japanese with English subtitles
- Has Subtitles: Yes