#241
Shogun's Joy of Torture - 1968
(This Film Rates a C+ )
Teruo Ishii's Shogun's Joy of Torture is a provocative and unsettling anthology film that explores the darker aspects of human nature. Set in ancient times, the movie presents three distinct stories, each approximately thirty minutes in length, that delve into themes of violence, exploitation, and the objectification of women through scenes of rape. The first story revolves around Mitsu and her brother Shinzo, who become embroiled in a tragic sequence of events involving rape, incest, blackmail, and ultimately, torture. The narrative is marked by a sense of darkness and despair, as the characters are forced to navigate a cruel and unforgiving world. The second story is equally disturbing, featuring a priest who is forced to endure humiliation and torture at the hands of a vengeful woman. A female receives extreme genital torture. Much of the graphics are only suggestive but are effective enough. Meanwhile the priest is decapitated with a crazy little ending. The scene is notable for its use of suggestive graphics, which add to the overall sense of unease and discomfort. The third and final story centers on a tattoo artist named Horicho, who becomes obsessed with creating the perfect work of art on the body of a young woman. The narrative takes a dark turn as Horicho's obsession leads him to commit atrocities, including drugging and tattooing his victim, Hana, against her will. Throughout the film, the acting is often melodramatic and over-the-top, which can be somewhat distracting at times. However, the seriousness of the subject matter and the intensity of the scenes help to elevate the film above its more absurd moments. Shogun's Joy of Torture is a film that pushes the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in 1968. While not excessively graphic, the movie features a significant amount of blood and violence, as well as suggestive sexual content including rape. The intensity of the scenes is well-maintained throughout, keeping the viewer on edge and invested in the storylines. Ultimately, Shogun's Joy of Torture is a challenging and thought-provoking film that explores the darker side of torture and extreme human nature. While it may not be to every viewer's taste, the movie is a significant entry in the early Japanese exploitation genre and is sure to appeal to fans of cult cinema. With a rating of C+, the film is a worthwhile watch for those interested in exploring the more extreme aspects of 1960s Japanese cinema.
