In the Realm of the Senses

Friday, May 16 - Saturday, May 24, 2025

PLEASE NOTE: Our elevator is currently out of service. Shows of IN THE REALM OF THE SENSES are on the second floor and only accessible by stairs. We apologize for the inconvenience. 

Still censored in its own country, IN THE REALM OF THE SENSES (Ai no corrida), by Japanese director Nagisa Oshima, remains one of the most controversial films of all time. 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. 

Previously screened as part of our series When the Lights Go Down: The Sex Scene

• Country Japan
• Language Japanese with English Subtitles
• Year 1976
• Running Time 109 minutes
• Format DCP
• Distributor Janus
• Director Nagisa Ôshima
• Cast Tatsuya Fuji, Eiko Matsuda, Aoi Nakajima
• Accessibility Assistive Listening, T-Coil

IFC Center does not generally provide advisories about subject matter or potentially triggering content in films, as sensitivities vary from person to person. In addition to the synopses, trailers and other links on our website, further information about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media, IMDb and DoesTheDogDie.com as well as through general internet searches.