93/100

Hasty airport catchup: Marveled while rewatching this at its allegorical versatility, or perhaps slipperiness—it feels like it could represent anything and everything, which I suppose detractors might argue means that it represents nothing. Ultimately doesn't matter much, though, as the film's weirdly parched sensuality knocks me for a loop right from the surface. Life is an inexorable invasion of grit, inspiring a sort of existential Stockholm Syndrome; had Teshigahara chosen to call this The Sand, its kinship with Sjoström's The Wind (a contender for my favorite silent feature; Woman in the Dunes might as well be one too) would be more apparent.

"No, no, dig up, stupid." -- Chief Clancy Wiggum

It just doesn’t get any more absorbing, provocative, existential and beautifully shot than this! Woman in the Dunes is only my first Hiroshi Teshigahara film and it absolutely floored me with the excellent performances, claustrophobic atmosphere, introspective look into the human condition and isolation, visual allegories, memorable dialogue and an unnerving musical score which reminded me of Mica Levi’s work in Under the Skin to some degree. There are many impressive shots of sand slithering downward, having a constant menacing aspect to them. After all, our protagonists are forced to live in this pit because of sand and they end up finding purpose in living on those circumstances. You also get a strong sense of fellowship throughout the film, emphasizing traditional Japanese family and community values. Overall, Woman in the Dunes is a remarkable gem and a must-see for every film enthusiast!

Bordering on a 9

This is reallly great. Pretty immediate Shining vibes–and in the same way–There Will be Blood vibes. 

Eerie, noisy, droning score. Stark, beautiful cinematography. So many great images. Feels modern and I think part of that is due to the fact that it’s mostly shot on a pretty fast shutter speed. Recognized this pretty quickly while watching. Makes for a very crisp, tactile image. And tactile this movie is. The shots of sand running like water are bone chilling. Was literally on the edge of my seat during a few sequences here. Has that psycho-sexual edge I expected from the era, but it’s not in your face about anything. Makes it all the better when a certain “you know what” is asked.

s  a  n  d

Not been in the mood to review films lately, I found this to be really thought provoking and even scary. The cinematography is incredible, with the movie instantly having one of my favourite shots ever. Incredible movie and a Japanese essential.

"They got sand in the potato salad" episode of Rocket Power: Origins

An ingenious thriller that executes its nightmare premise as an allegory for wage slavery, the hopelessness of life and labor at the bottom of a class hierarchy, and, with its surprise ending, the illogical, pathological need to find success within the system. The movie's barren desert setting lends a moody cast over the near-constant visceral action, and despite its simplicity, its filmed so spectacularly; I'll never be able to forget the rickety, boarded up house at the bottom of the inescapable sandy pit. It's understandably one of the greats that works both as a thrilling spectacle and as an allegorical arthouse experiment.

Film #11 of Scavenger Hunt 62
Task 8. Watch a film that deals with the theme of isolation.

Very pleased to have the opportunity to rewatch the movie which having only seen once before, a long time ago has stayed with me ever since.

OK THAT'S IT IM DONE WITH FILMS

just kidding this was so good

This film is hands down a masterpiece, but not one that you will enjoy as much as others. The goal here is to make you feel as drained and insane as the characters within it. Tremendous lighting and visuals, paired with a perfect score for the film just adds to the greatness of this experience.