Director – Norifumi Suzuki (Shogun’s Ninja, Beautiful Girl Hunter)
Starring – Audrey Cruise, Ryoko Ema (The Transgressor, Graveyard of Honor), and Kaya Hozumi (Hiroshima Death Match, Terrifying Girl’s High School: Lynch Law Classroom)
Release Date – 1972
Rating – 3.5/5
Blu Release – 3/5
I’ve reviewed a lot of films over the years and I’m always surprised when I get a film in for review that I have never heard of before. This is often the case with releases from Mondo Macabro. They tend to release films that are often overlooked on blu and that is something I really do appreciate. I may not always like the movies they put out but at least they are giving genre fans something they had never seen before.
Several weeks back Mondo Macabro sent over a couple new releases for me to check out and they were all new to me. However, one stood out more than the others and really peaked my interest. That film was the 1972 Japanese sexploitation flick Tokugawa Sex Ban which is also known as The Erotomaniac Daimyo. I really wanted to see all three of these films but I had to move this one to the top of my list. I once again want to thank Mondo Macabro for sending this one over!
**Spoiler Alert** The film follows a lord of a powerful clan who is recently married. However, he struggles with his intimacy and cannot consummate his marriage. He is provided a French slave to take in as a mistress and after some time he learns that sex is the ultimate pleasure. It’s because of this that he puts in place a ban on sex as he believes that commoners and those under him should not be experiencing it. **Spoiler Alert**
I knew absolutely nothing about Tokugawa Sex Ban prior to watching it but the artwork used by Mondo Macabro really made my imagination work overtime. What kind of film was I about to watch and what the fuck was a sex ban? Only watching the film would answer these questions.
The acting in this one is solid but I found myself laughing at the cast during several of the scenes. The cast is fully dedicated to their roles in several scenes but in others they act as if they are getting paid by how quickly they complete the scene. They rush through their dialogue with zero attempts at trying to stay in character with straight faces. These scenes were so funny to me due to how out of place they are.
The story for this one is not what I was expecting at all which may be why I enjoyed it so much. This erotic drama follows someone who finds a mistress that opens the door to his sexual fantasies. He then decides that this is something too good for common folk, so he bans it. Honestly, the story works for an erotic drama that uses nudity to pick up the slower scenes and rich dialogue to carry the story the rest of the way. It might not be everyone’s speed but those that enjoy sexploitation and Asian cinema can enjoy it.
Finally, those looking for blood and gore will be very disappointed. However, if awkward acting and some nudity is more your speed then you will enjoy this one! Overall, Tokugawa Sex Ban is another great film that I would have missed if it wasn’t for Mondo Macabro. It’s not the horror title I was hoping for but it was still very enjoyable. Check it out on blu now!
Special Features:
Brand new 2k transfer from film negative, digitally restored.
Interview with film critic Kōshi Ueno.
Audio commentary from Jasper Sharp.
Theatrical trailer.
Optional subtitles.
