Les fruits de la passion

Fruits of Passion is certainly Terayama's least-appreciated and least understood film. Upon French producer Anatole Dunman's request he agrees to direct Klaus Kinsky in a more or less official sequel of Just Jackin's The Story of O (1975). Originally perceived as an arty-farty piece by many who, knowing too little of the director's style, felt disconcerted by the opaqueness of some dreamlike sequences - and perhaps a touch too sleazy for auteur film lovers - this film took a long time to reach its audience of hybrid movie fans. Meet Sir Stephen, a rather peculiar man, by whom O is willingly taken to a Shanghai brothel run by Madame (Japanese transvestite Peter plays the part). In spite of explicit sex scenes and some pretty hardcore S & M shots, the movie does not clash with the rest of the director's work. Its themes remain close to his heart, dealing with youth, independence, and the presence of western troops on Asian soil.