Odd Obsession [VHS]

Odd Obsession [VHS]
by Kon Ichikawa

List Price: ~~$29.95~~
Category: VHS Video
See more movie releases

(Click here)

Buy this VHS video movie at online store in your country
Canada

Product details

Actor: Ganjiro Nakamura, Jun Hamamura, Junko Kano, Machiko Ky?, Tatsuya Nakadai
Director: Kon Ichikawa
Cinematographer: Kazuo Miyagawa
Editor: Kon Ichikawa
Writer: Kon Ichikawa
Editor: Hiroaki Fujii
Producer: Hiroaki Fujii
Producer: Masaichi Nagata
Writer: Junichir? Tanizaki
Writer: Keiji Hasebe
Writer: Natto Wada
Edition: VHS Tape
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Subtitled)
Format: Color, NTSC
Running Time: 107 minutes
Release Date: 2000-06-20
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Publisher: Homevision
Studio: Homevision

VHS Movie Reviews of Odd Obsession [VHS]

Movie Review: Be careful what you wish for . . . .
Summary: 4 Stars

One of Ichikawa's first films, marred by a bad ending. Four characters are involved in a strange menage-a-quatre: an aging man who has high blood pressure and is worried about his virility; his dutiful wife; a young doctor he "uses" as an aprodisiac; and his daughter who becomes jealous of her mother.

The old man decides that seeing his wife dally with another man (the doctor) excites him, makes him feel younger; he talks her into continuing her philandering while he looks on. This "excitement" eventually kills him, but in the meantime his wife has come to enjoy her affair with the doctor and is not upset at her husband's death. Her daughter learns of the arrangement and becomes upset and jealous of her mother; this does little to alter her mother's behavior, however. At the end of the movie a maid suspects their wickedness and poisons all three of them - only the police don't believe her story and chalk it up as a triple suicide.

It's an interesting idea, and Ichikawa develops the ironies nicely. The fact that the mother, while at first acquiesing to her husbands wishes, discovers a hidden passionate need that she refuses to give up, is an idea much ahead of its time. We like to point fingers of blame but it's impossible here because all are just acting on natural impulses. The only misstep is the ending, which I found to be a letdown and somewhat unbelievable. The subtitles are sometimes confusing, bit it's a good movie; worth a watch.

Movie Review: Watch at least twice
Summary: 5 Stars

This is a very good film Kon Ichikawa based on the famous novel in Japan. ("Kagi" by Jun-ichiro Tanizaki.) The story is about odd relationships with old connoisseur of classic arts, his faithful and attractive wife, his daughter and daughter's fianc?. Basically, Ichikawa's films are visually very artistic and enjoyable. (Another examples, Actor's revenge, Tokyo Olympiad) Combinations of beautiful cinema photography with very weird characters are so impressive. Since this film is so visually artistic, if you have to depend on subtitles you will miss a lot of great artistic atmosphere. (Probably, that's why critics did not give great reviews for Ichikawa's films.) To enjoy the film you have watch it at least twice. Don't try to understand at once. First time, read subtitles to understand the concept of the story. Second time, ignore subtitles as much as possible and enjoy the beautiful cinema photography and story. If you watch it more, it will be better. One critical point of this VIDEO (not film), subtitles are missing in very very important scene of the movie. But still enjoyable.

Write your own review

Summary of Odd Obsession [VHS]

Winner of Cannes' Special Jury Prize, Odd Obsession is one of acclaimed director Kon Ichikawa's (Tokyo Olympiad, The Burmese Harp) greatest works. This captivating blend of comic satire and drama follows an elderly man's attempts to satisfy his younger wife (Machiko Kyo, Rashomon, Gate of Hell). When "potency" injections fail, Mr. Kenmochi incites his own jealousy by orchestrating an affair between his wife and his doctor, who happens to be his daughter's fiance. The wife and doctor are eager to oblige Kenmochi, his daughter is furious, and the scheme proves both a success and a deadly disaster. With dazzling imagery, rich irony, and superb acting, Odd Obsession illuminates the ongoing battle between personal desire and societal convention.

General Video

Video Genres

Movies most talked about in General Video

Harold & Maude (Aniv) [VHS]
Paramount; Release date: 1997-04-01; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $8.99
Price in other shops: ~~$9.95~~

In the Realm of the Senses (Uncut NC-17 Version) [VHS]
Surrogate; Release date: 1997-11-11; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $27.85

Seven Samurai [VHS]
Homevision; Release date: 2000-06-16; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $13.99
Price in other shops: ~~$34.95~~

Jamon Jamon [VHS]
Fox Lorber; Release date: 1997-11-11; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $24.99

The Nasty Girl [VHS]
Hbo Home Video; Release date: 1998-06-23; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Price in other shops: ~~$19.98~~

Mediterraneo [VHS]
Walt Disney Video; Release date: 2003-01-14; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $29.95

Literary Masterpieces: The Count of Monte Cristo [VHS]
Live / Artisan; Release date: 1996-05-21; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $17.40

Hedd Wynn [VHS]
Fox Lorber; Release date: 1997-10-13; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $135.99

Cinema Paradiso [VHS]
Hbo Home Video; Release date: 1994-12-11; Published: 1990; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $7.21
Price in other shops: ~~$14.98~~

Latcho Drom [VHS]
New Yorker Video; Release date: 1998-11-11; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $42.50

Similar Video, DVDs, Audio CDs

Enjo [VHS]
New Yorker Video; Release date: 1998-11-11; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $44.98

When a Woman Ascends the Stairs: Criterion Collection
Image Entertainment; Release date: 2007-02-20; DVD
Best price: $24.78
Price in other shops: ~~$39.95~~

Late Chrysanthemums [VHS]
World Artists; Release date: 2000-03-14; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $29.95

Secrets of Women [VHS]
Homevision; Release date: 2000-06-16; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $29.99

Being Two Isn't Easy [VHS]
Homevision; Release date: 1996-09-03; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $18.48
Price in other shops: ~~$19.95~~

Scenes From a Marriage - Criterion Collection
Image Entertainment; Release date: 2004-03-16; DVD
Best price: $25.99
Price in other shops: ~~$49.95~~