Akutoku no sakae

The have been many versions originating from the Marquis de Sade including the Story of O (multiple versions), Justine, Libertine, etc. This is an original take. Unfortunately, while a good idea it suffers in a poor script and poor execution.

The first thought people will have is it would center around Sado Masochism. Not really here. It's really more a side story. In fact bondage, discipline & torture (a staple in many pink or Roman porno films) is barely involved and less often shown on screen. Sex scenes barely exist. There is some nudity but very mild. Expect a little violence but it's more what you would see in a crime drama.

Instead you get an interesting plot of a private theatre where thieves, murderers & other social deviants/criminals are taken in to play parts. The theatre plays are supposed to be based around the De Sade writings but seems to be the boring parts of his writings. I found myself losing interest often during scenes at the theatre stage.

The acting was hit or miss. I'm really not sure what this film was trying to say. Not sure the director knew either. Unless you are a huge fan of Marquis de Sade and want to see this for completeness, I would recommend skipping this one.

This is well enough made with stylish cinematography and bold dialogue but struck me as a bit too pretentious and repetitive. There was much more talk than action and the action, although occasionally surprisingly nasty, also at times rather coy. There is plenty of semi nudity but little interaction. I was reminded of Café Flesh with its over emphasis on the wacky and clever and also Terayama's Fruits of Passion, which like this had great sets but a tendency not to deliver. Clearly a very difficult enterprise and if this didn't quite succeed it is certainly interesting enough. Maybe if I hadn't gone into this expecting a rip roaring extravaganza, I may have got more from it. Another time perhaps, when I'm not feeling quite so tired?