Director
Ishii's cold, no-nonsense approach to sadistic behavior makes this S&M
movie seem all the more aberrant. An installment in the JOYS OF TORTURE
series, this film deals with two stories set in the 17th Century ["Oxen
Split Torture" and "Grotesque Love"], focusing on inquisition
tortures inflicted by the Japanese Shogun against outlawed Christian zealots.
The reasons for the torture aren't as important as the punishment itself.
There is precious little character development, with massive amounts of
graphic atrocity (crucifixion, dismemberment, whipping, beheading, piercing,
sexual abuse and, of course, the notorious oxen-split).
Adult Material/Violence/S&M:
Viewer discretion is advised.
