DVD: In the Realm of the Senses (18)

Sadomasochism, masochism, oodles of flesh, sexual experimentation, asphyxiation, rape, orgies and castration all feature in Nagisa Oshima's notorious, X-rated caper of an obsessive desire between a young geisha, Sada (Eiko Matsuda), and a vaguely sadistic innkeeper, Kichizo (Tatsuya Fuji).

They cavort shamelessly before turning to violence and sharp objects. Confessions of a Window Cleaner this isn't. Instead, we have a love affair without any restraint. Oshima's uncompromising 1976 film is a difficult, often grim, watch, but its composition is never less than exquisite. Not a date movie.