Mandala (1971)

Intricately woven with threads of human sexuality, political ideologies, and religious overtones, "Mandala" is a stark examination of the primal forces that drive us. Two pairs of university students, the seasoned Yukiko and Shinichi, and the unseasoned Hirochi and Yasuko, dare to trade partners in an isolated motel, baring their souls to the raw exploration of unfamiliar intimacy. Their daring experiment takes a dark twist when, on a seemingly idyllic seaside getaway, one couple is brutally assailed by a pair of maniacs. The aftermath, rather than scarring them, piques their curiosity towards their perpetrators and the motive behind their savage act. Driven by this strange fascination, they embark on a journey to trace the assailants, only to uncover their allegiance to a clandestine sect preaching sexual liberation and self-reliance. Initially apprehensive, the couple soon succumbs to the sect's provocative allure, choosing to detach from societal norms and embrace this radical lifestyle. However, the tranquil waters ripple when their forsaken friends decide to hunt them down, escalating the narrative to a complex intertwining of desire, fear, and transgression. "Mandala" dives into a labyrinth of human emotions and desires, challenging viewers to question the very fabric of societal norms and individual liberty.

Mandala is a drama movie featuring Akiko Mori and directed by Akio Jissoji.

Mandala is currently streaming on MUBI.