Odd Obsession (1959)

Synopsis: Director Kon Ichikawa's adaptation of Junichiro Tanizaki's KAGI is a black comedy reminiscent of the films of Luis Buñuel. Ganjiro Nakamura stars as Mr. Kenmochi, an aged Japanese art critic whose... Director Kon Ichikawa's adaptation of Junichiro Tanizaki's KAGI is a black comedy reminiscent of the films of Luis Buñuel. Ganjiro Nakamura stars as Mr. Kenmochi, an aged Japanese art critic whose increasing impotence has led him to take injections to maintain his sex life. However, even this remedy is now failing him, and, hoping to use jealousy to achieve arousal, he decides to instigate a relationship between his wife, Ikuko (Machiko Kyô), and the attractive younger Dr. Kimura (Tatsuya Nakadai). After Kenmochi shows the doctor nude photos of his wife as well as employing other expedients, the two begin a passionate affair, much to the disappointment of Toshiko (Junko Kano), Kenmochi's daughter, who has a crush on the doctor. Ichikawa's fascinating film is photographed by the estimable Kazuo Miyagawa (KAGEMUSHA, YOJIMBO, and RASHOMON) and is exceptionally well acted, particularly by Kyô as the perverse Ikuko. [More]

Starring: Ganjiro Nakamura, Machiko Kyô, Tatsuya Nakadai, Junko Kano

Starring: Ganjiro Nakamura, Machiko Kyô, Tatsuya Nakadai, Junko Kano

Director: Kon Ichikawa

Director: Kon Ichikawa

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