Pleasures of the Flesh

Pleasures of the Flesh, directed by the iconic Nagisa Oshima and released in 1965, explores the darker corners of human desires and societal expectations. The movie is a dramatic work of art that dives into the depths of human nature and makes a profound observation on carnal desires, morality, and life itself.

At the center of the plot is Atsushi, brilliantly portrayed by Katsuo Nakamura, who is forced to navigate the murky waters of human interactions. He leads a rather humdrum life as a tutor, with his existence more connected with survival than joy. However, the mundanity of Atsushi's life transforms dramatically when he inadvertently becomes privy to a massive sum of embezzled money. This unexpected turn of affairs compels Atsushi to make a life-altering choice and plunge headlong into a world of sensuality and corruption that he had never imagined before.

As Atsushi contemplates the unrestrained exploitation of his newfound wealth, his mind hovers back to his one true love, played by Mariko Kaga. Past emotions are stirred, and the once-banal existence comes off as much more appealing now. Atsushi's internal turmoil and blurry moral compass form the central time bomb that coerces the narrative forward.

Parallel to Atsushi's journey, the movie also focuses on different female characters that cross paths with him. An unforgettable cast of characters, including Yumiko Nogawa, throw light on various instances of exploitation and societal judgement. Each woman in Atsushi’s life reveals a unique narrative about the pitfalls of lust and connection, creating a mosaic comment on the themes of pleasure and corruption. Their encounters with Atsushi are an exploration of different facets of sensuality, each unveiling staggeringly different and captivating aspects of human desires, often in heartbreaking ways.

Through clever character development and an intricate narrative, Pleasures of the Flesh attempts to unfurl the various layers of human character and psyche. Oshima uses these complex characters to touch upon heavy topics like societal norms, expectations, dreams, monetary worth, and the human body's commodification. These themes make the film a haunting exploration of the moralistic and psychological implications of unchecked desire.

The movie's visual aesthetic is as evocative and compelling as the narrative itself. Oshima uses highly stunning frames, with each shot painting a vivid picture of the intricate world he aims to explore. The two-pronged narrative and visual depiction serve to intensify the themes of the story profoundly. Every set, every frame, and every shot in the film plays with tropes of desire and power, culminating in a true visual tour de force.

Pleasures of the Flesh's central theme revolves around the corrosion caused by unchecked human desire. Through Atsushi's journey and the women he encounters, the film points to the inevitable degradation that pure, human connections undergo when subjected to the base and primal instincts in humans. The plot dives deep into the philosophical questions about what truly brings pleasure and whether the path to pleasure can ever lie in the realm of ethical, moral propriety.

Nagisa Oshima's Pleasures of the Flesh is more than just a film. It is a societal critique, psychological exploration, and visual feast unified into one unforgettable cinematic experience. With fantastic performances from Katsuo Nakamura, Mariko Kaga, and Yumiko Nogawa, it is a powerhouse of talent that pushes the boundaries of storytelling. The film is a must-watch for fans of world cinema, promising an immersive exploration of some of life's most profound questions. It's an intense, beautiful, troubling, and occasionally shocking experience that cements Oshima's reputation as a masterful storyteller. The film leaves viewers to ponder the unanswered questions about human nature, morality, and the real prize behind the puritanical veil.