TABOO (GOHATTO) Asian New Classics

Codes of honor, sexuality and loyalty are challenged and entangled in this highly-charged drama from cutting-edge director Nagisa Oshima, best-known as one of the founders of the 1960s Japanese New Wave.

In 1 865 Kyoto, Commander lsami Kondo and his lieutenant, Toshio Hikikata, supervise a match at the training hall of the Shinsen-gumi militia to select new samurai warrior recruits. Only two are chosen: the handsome, young Sozaburo Kano and a low-ranking samurai formerly of the Kurume Clan, Kyozo Tashiro. Rigid regulations maintain order among this group of men, serving as the unifying force in the face of adversity. But soon Kano’s beauty causes sexual rumors and iealousies that the troop’s rules are unable to control.

Relearning with renowned actor “Beat” Takeshi (MERRY CHRISTMAS MR. LAWRENCE, HANA-Bl, BROTHER), Oshima once again directs to remarkable effect in his latest masterpiece.