"Shunga Sensei" The world where Yumiko lives, her determination

Civilization is coming soon

In the documentary " Shun no ga SHUNGA " (23), it is pointed out that shunga inherently contains a voyeuristic structure. It is a very interesting documentary that depicts the history of shunga. As the times change, the best techniques of the time, and techniques that cannot be reproduced even today, are all mobilized in shunga. The mystery of why such detailed technical skills were used remains. Also interesting are works in which it is not possible to tell which is male and which is female just by looking at the face. This is because there seems to be an assumption that male and female are no longer an issue. At the same time, I think about what was hidden behind the era of sexual permissiveness, the background of the heyday of patriarchy. And I think about the future after the Meiji era, when Western values ​​will destroy shunga due to the opening up of civilization. The sense of crisis that the world may lose something, the arrival of fear, strongly resonates in "Shunga Sensei", which is set in the present day.

“Shunga Sensei”Ⓒ2023 “Shunga Sensei” Production Committee

The doors and stairs of the mansion that Yumiko heads towards in the climax have a fantastical atmosphere that seems to combine Jean Cocteau's " Beauty and the Beast " (1946) and Stanley Kubrick's " The Shining " (1980). For some reason, Yumiko enters the mansion barefoot. Guided by candles, she slowly climbs the stairs. However, it is not the Beast that is waiting for her in the mansion. This "battle" scene is wonderful from the opening signal to the end, and we recommend that you experience it with your eyes and ears in the theater, with the powerful sound and the actors' wonderful gestures. There is something of a determination to take up the baton that may soon be lost.

And this determination is the hope of this film. The dazzling profile of Yumiko, bathed in light on the veranda, is filled with determination to maintain sanity and live in this world. There is great energy to affirm the beauty found in the midst of chaos. No matter what happens in the future, believe in the values ​​that make you happy. "Shunga Sensei" is a film for all people involved in the creation of things, including the audience. Civilization and enlightenment will soon arrive. It may be a difficult time. Hone your sensibilities and free yourself from all preconceptions!

Text: Daiji Miyashiro (maplecat-eve)

Movie criticism. Contributed reviews to ``Leos Carax: Movie Wanderer'', Eureka's ``Wes Anderson Special'', Real Sound, Soen, otocoto, Toshio Matsumoto Special Pamphlet, etc.

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"Shunga Sensei"

Currently being screened with rave reviews

Distribution: Happinet Phantom Studio

Ⓒ2023 “Shunga Sensei” Production Committee