International Films That Used Erotic Themes as Serious Cinema
Erotic themes have appeared throughout international cinema as part of stories about intimacy, identity, obsession, politics and relationships. This TeamMovies list focuses on film history and storytelling rather than explicit material.
The iconoclastic filmmaker pursued a path that was often considered taboo, explicit, and deviant — especially when compared to the traditionalists working alongside him throughout his career. Ôshima is probably best remembered for his 1976 historical drama, In the Realm of the Senses, which featured scenes of unsimulated sex between actors.
Controversy and censorship followed, but it wasn’t his only dalliance with eroticism, and Ôshima continued to reveal the forbidden in his films while shedding light on political and cultural grievances. Sexy is entirely subjective, and we wanted to remember other oft-forgotten foreign films that explored the provocative and erotic.
Many erotic-themed films, when released stateside, have been stamped with the dreaded NC-17 rating. This effectively ruins any chance of a film making money. Whereas in Europe, scenes with intercourse can produce a discussion on aesthetics—and subject matter—while often causing a sensation at festivals. Ultimately, there is a great philosophical and cultural difference. European movies, especially in the 2000s, have continued what is a rich and daring tradition.
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