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A Lustful Man

Name: A Lustful Man
Director: Yasuzō Masumura
Released: 1961
Duration: 92 min

Representation Score

4.2/10

Fair

1961

Director

Yasuzō Masumura

Runtime

92 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Yasuzō Masumura’s work disrupts mid-century social norms by focusing on primal human impulses. The film successfully dismantles traditional hierarchies, especially through its portrayal of female empowerment and rejection of rigid moralism. While the film lacks representation for LGBTQ+ individuals and people with disabilities, it provides a sophisticated look at human nature. It replaces the standard domestic drama with a study of situational ethics and individual autonomy. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its subversion of the nuclear family model. It challenges the social restraints of its time by centering the protagonist's biological drives over societal expectations.

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Category Breakdown

Does A Lustful Man have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses solely on the protagonist's pursuit of women. There is no depiction of same-sex relationships or non-cisgender identities.

How does A Lustful Man portray gender?

Good

Women in the film have significant control and play a key role in driving the story. They challenge traditional patriarchal structures of the era.

How racially and ethnically diverse is A Lustful Man?

Fair

The production features a primarily Japanese cast, maintaining cultural authenticity without relying on Western-centric clichés.

How does A Lustful Man represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative critiques traditional institutions by emphasizing individual instinct over familial duty. It frames social transgressions through biological impulses rather than moral failing.

Does A Lustful Man include disability representation?

Minimal

No visible or invisible disabilities are portrayed as central to the characters or the narrative arc.

Present on Screen

Subverts patriarchal norms by giving female characters significant control and sexual autonomy.
Challenges traditional social structures by prioritizing individual instinct over familial or religious duty.
Offers a nuanced, psychologically realistic exploration of human nature and moral relativism.

Limited or Absent

Lacks any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex relationships.
Contains no depictions of characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Fascinated with women from an early age, Yonosuke had his first sexual encounter at the age of seven. From that day on, he recklessly and forwardly pursues women, feeding his fascination and experience. As Yonosuke's salacious behavior brings much cause for shame to the family, his father eventually breaks relations with him. Expelled from the family, 19-year-old Yonosuke embarks on a pilgrimage of lust, traveling far and wide to acquaint himself with women of all walks.

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