Director Yasuzō Masumura broke new ground in Japanese cinema with this progressive exploration of lesbian sexuality.
Manji (translated as ‘All Mixed Up’) is the story of a loving yet dangerous relationship between two women. Sonoko (Kyōko Kishida) is married yet bored and Mitsuko (Ayako Wakao) is a young art student. When they meet, they feel an immediate frisson but their intense union breaks any number of societal taboos.
Masumura’s adaptation of Jun'ichirō Tanizaki’s 1928 novel Quicksand was remarkably daring for its day and has attained greater significance in the intervening years, making way for new avenues of representation in queer cinema. The director’s typically sharp insight into character and society is further buoyed by another strong performance from his regular collaborator and muse, Ayako Wakao. Manji has been reclaimed from relative obscurity to cast its spell over a modern audience who can appreciate its forthright and emotional take on sexual identity.
A sweet and dangerous relationship between a married woman and a beautiful young lady. A masterpiece that embodies the aesthetics of Tanizaki’s literature.
Restored in 4K in 2024 by KADOKAWA CORPORATION at IMAGICA Entertainment Media Services.
This screening is presented in collaboration with Queer Vision and SWITCH co-curated with Harriet Taylor who is participating in Other Ways of Seeing, with support from BFI Awarding Funds from National Lottery.
Presented in partnership with the Japan Foundation.
With an introduction by co-curator Harriet Taylor.
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