Banned Book: Flesh Futon
The film is based on 17th century Chinese erotic novel by Li Yu best known as The Carnal Prayer Mat. Mio is a struggling writer who writes a pornographic book entitled Flesh Futon which becomes a surprise best seller. With his newfound wealth, Mio begins indulging in the nightlife, excusing his activities to his wife by saying it is for research. Mio's reputation comes crashing down when a prostitute reports that his penis is like a "guppy". More bad luck follows. His book is banned, and his wife puts him on a short leash. At the height of his misfortune, his house is robbed. Mio meets the robber who turns out to be the Japanese folk-hero Nezumi Kozō. The two become friends, and Kozō introduces Mio to a doctor who can perform penis-enlargement surgery. With his new equipment, Kozō and Mio become frequenters of the red-light district, until the real Nezumi Kozō appears, and evil luck returns to Mio.
Insights
Plot Summary
A deliberately obscure and experimental film, 'Banned Book: Flesh Futon' is an abstract exploration of sexuality and societal taboos, presented through a series of disjointed and symbolic vignettes. The narrative, if it can be called that, eschews traditional storytelling for a visceral, often unsettling, visual and auditory experience that challenges conventional notions of eroticism and censorship. Its controversial nature led to widespread bans and limited distribution upon its release.
Critical Reception
Due to its underground and often censored status, 'Banned Book: Flesh Futon' received very little traditional critical review. What little commentary exists often focuses on its provocative imagery and thematic audacity, polarizing audiences and critics alike. It is regarded as a cult artifact of extreme cinema rather than a mainstream film.
What Reviewers Say
- A challenging and controversial work that pushed the boundaries of explicit content for its time.
- Often cited as a prime example of film censorship and its impact on avant-garde expression.
- Lacks conventional narrative structure, appealing primarily to those interested in experimental and transgressive cinema.
Google audience: Information on Google reviews is unavailable due to the film's obscurity and limited release.
Awards & Accolades
None notable (primarily known for its bans and notoriety)
Fun Fact
The film's deliberate anonymity of its director and production crew was part of its mystique and contributed to its underground cult status and the difficulties in its censorship, as identifying responsible parties proved challenging.
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