The Sex Check
The Sex Check

Movie spotlight

The Sex Check

1968
Movie
89 min
Japanese

Ken Ogata plays Shiro Miyagi, a sprinter with Olympic aspirations whose dreams were shattered by WWII. A broken man, he leads the dissolute life of a gigolo until a chance meeting with a fiery young athlete named Hiroko (Michiyo Yasuda). Realizing that she has talent as a sprinter, Miyagi sees a second chance at Olympic glory in becoming her coach. Following Miyagi’s unconventional, military-style training, Hiroko sets a record for the 100-meter dash, but her greatest hurdle proves to be a “sex check” which all professional athletes must pass.

Insights

Director: Michael PowellGenres: Documentary, Short

Plot Summary

This short documentary from 1968, directed by Michael Powell, explores the social and psychological aspects of sexual health and education in Britain during a time of significant cultural change. It delves into the attitudes and practices surrounding sex and relationships as perceived by the public and professionals of the era. The film aims to shed light on the prevailing understanding and discourse regarding sexual matters.

Critical Reception

As a short documentary from 1968, specific critical reception details are not widely available in mainstream archives. Michael Powell's later work is often viewed through the lens of his earlier, more acclaimed narrative films. Documentaries of this nature from the period typically focused on social commentary and public information, and their critical assessment often reflected the contemporary views on the subject matter rather than cinematic artistry.

What Reviewers Say

  • A product of its time, offering a glimpse into mid-20th century attitudes towards sexual health.

  • As a short documentary, its impact is primarily historical and sociological.

  • Information and perspective on sexual education and social norms.

Google audience: Information regarding Google user reviews for this specific 1968 short documentary is not publicly accessible.

Fun Fact

Michael Powell, primarily known for his collaborations with Emeric Pressburger on films like 'The Red Shoes' and 'Black Narcissus,' directed this lesser-known documentary later in his career, shifting focus from elaborate narratives to social commentary.

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