Empire of Passion (1978)

In the year 1895, nestled in an unassuming village in Japan, a clandestine love affair blooms between Seki (Kazuko Yoshiyuki), the wife of the humble litter carrier Gisaburo (Takahiro Tamura), and a man young enough to be her son, Toyiji (Tatsuya Fuji). Driven by jealousy and a dangerous passion, Toyiji conspires with Seki to eliminate the one obstacle standing in the path of their forbidden love, Gisaburo. Under the veil of darkness, they strangle him after an evening drenched in sake, his lifeless body concealed within the chilling depths of a secluded well in the woods. In a desperate bid to quell the brewing storm of suspicion, Seki spins a tale for the locals, assuring them that Gisaburo has relocated to Tokyo to earn a living. For three years, the illicit lovers carry on their secret rendezvous, their treacherous act concealed beneath layers of deceit. However, the village is abuzz with whispers and speculations about Gisaburo's abrupt disappearance, the rumors gnawing at the edges of their guilty consciences. As fate would have it, the past refuses to stay buried. Seki finds herself haunted by the spectral presence of her slain husband, his ghost an eerie reminder of the heinous crime she committed. The situation spirals out of control when the long arm of the law reaches their tranquil village, intent on unraveling the mystery of Gisaburo's disappearance. With the noose of guilt tightening around their necks, Seki and Toyiji find themselves caught in a web of their own making. The haunting tale of "Empire of Passion" (1978) is a chilling exploration of love, betrayal, and the inescapable clutches of guilt.

Empire of Passion is a drama movie featuring Tatsuya Fuji and directed by Nagisa Ōshima.

Empire of Passion is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.