Rent Woman of the Dunes (1964)

Japanese Classic - Woman of the Dunes review by Steve

Sensual, unique allegory of itinerant entomologist who finds himself trapped with/by a placid, submissive woman who seems to have accepted her life, continually digging out the pit of sand which serves as her home. Intriguing, engaging, and ultimately heartbreaking.

The photography is unforgettable. The pacing is superb. The performance, in particular, of Kyoko Kishidi is a marvel.

Wonderful Japanese art film. Once seen, never forgotten.

Pure and Fearsome - Woman of the Dunes review by joannajuki

This is a hypnotic film. A man is captured by a hidden dune-locked community, but his jailer is a beautiful woman. They are locked together in a life and death struggle against the encroaching sand, and while he takes every opportunity to escape, they can't escape their physical attraction. The grit intrudes and binds them, but she shyly asks, aren't the women in Tokyo more beautiful? He brushes aside this question with a derisive "Don't be stupid."

Pain, pregnancy, quicksand, conspiracy - an uneven playing field between man and woman that sinks them both. The long, intimate takes, the silence of the characters, emphasize inexorable and threatening presence of the sands. I wanted to see it again, having seen it in the 70s, but I still don't remember the ending.

Thought provoking allegory on life. - Woman of the Dunes review by CP Customer

Very deep film, so be patient and it will reward you. Beautiful close-up photography of characters and sand (yes, sand!). But what does the sand really represent?