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Tokyo Decadence AKA Topâzu
R0 - United Kingdom - Arrow Video Review written by and copyright: Samuel Scott (26th October 2011). |
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The Film
 Sadomasochism is featured in a lot of films, but often not as a mode of sexual stimulation for it's characters. Usually, sadomasochism is added to films as an afterthought with no other reason than to shock by way of exploitation but there are some films that feature sadomasochism heavily where they are integral to the plot. Some may of course think of Mario Bava's "The Whip and the Body", Michael Winner's "The Nightcomers" or maybe even Pedro Almodóvar's "Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down". In Asia however, it's the two Decadence films that are most well known, "Tokyo Decadence" from 1992 and "New Tokyo Decadence: The Slave" from 2007. Along with other Japanese S&M films like "S&M Hunter" these are often referred to as 'pink' films. The synopsis for "Tokyo Decadence" from Arrow reads: Catering to Yakuza captains, salarymen and ostensibly "respectable" heads of industry, Ai witnesses and experiences sexual degradation, confusion and despair through her encounters with various clients who include a tycoon and his girlfriend who insist on humiliating her, a crazed drug fiend with a strangulation fixation, a submissive businessman known only as "Turtlehead" and a wine connoisseur with a disturbing taste for necrophilia. Sexually graphic without being gratuitous, brilliant and honest, Tokyo Decadence is an unforgettable film that never shies away from exposing the realities of a world that is devoid of humanity and feeling. Boasting a music score by Academy Award winning composer Ryuichi Sakamoto (The Last Emperor) and a brave, subtly sympathetic, soul-baring central performance by Miho Nikaido, it presents a searing, disturbing and extremely graphic indictment of the hypocrisies of excessive materialism and sexual puritanism. The first thirty minutes takes place during an S&M session between our main character, S&M girl Ai, and a salaryman. Quite explicit, both in nature and in dialogue, the scene involves use of a vibrator tied to Ai as the dominant salaryman brings his girlfriend round, purposely not having actual sex with Ai. In scenes taking place where Ai is on her own in the shower, you see just how good of an actress Miho Nikaido is managing to portray various emotions throughout the film, despite not even talking too much. As we learn throughout, she wants to go back to the married art gallery man she has been seeing and we see her efforts as they unfold. The story, whilst basic in its outline, is surprisingly forthcoming and at times, very difficult to watch which shows the strengths of the director Ryű Murakami as he puts a dark world into a dark place. Although sometimes the shots seem amateurish, it is forgiven by the way the story unfolds slowly, with good execution. Unfortunately, whilst the story unfolds slowly on purpose, some of the sex scenes can drag a little and lose their overall influence in the way we see Ai's life and because they are purposely not easy viewing, it can hurt the experience to a point. The film is overall an interesting viewing, mainly down to how Ai's character is developed without much dialogue, but it's hard going. If you enjoy this type of cinema, you'll probably find this film as a recommended viewing, if not, you'll want to rent it.
Video
Unlike Arrow's previous 2007 release, the film has this time been given an anamorphic transfer at 1.75:1. Unfortunately, picture quality isn't great and lacks sharpness and clarity throughout. The transfer is also progressive resulting in combing and ghosting.
Audio
Just the one audio track has been included, a Japanese mono track. It's adequate but does feature some slight cracks and a little bit of background hiss. English subtitles have been included for the feature. They are optional, white, free of errors and easy to read throughout.
Extras
On the disc, we get trailers for Battle Royale, House By The Cemetery, Deep Red, The Cheerleaders and Obsession. Elsewhere we get a booklet with liner notes by Robin Bougie and a reversible cover.
Overall
It's a tough film with a small audience worth a look for genre fans. Picture and audio could certainly be improved upon and the extras leave a lot to be desired.
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