Gohatto

Set in an all male Shinsengumi samurai school during Japan's Shogun era, circa 1865, GOHATTO (Taboo) is a dramatic study of homoerotic obsession from critically acclaimed director Nagisa Oshima (Max Mon Amour; Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence; Ai No Corrida). The Shinsengumi are an elite samurai militia formed to protect Japan's Shogun dictatorship.
Training under the leadership of Commander Isami Kondo (Yoichi Sai) and Captain Toshizo Hijikata ('Beat' Takeshi Kitano), the sword-wielding samurai adhere to a strict code of conduct designed to promote obedience, discipline and martial readiness. The arrival of Kano (Ryuhei Matsuda), a beautiful, androgynous warrior, into the testosterone-filled ranks sparks forbidden desires amongst the men. As the psychosexual tension begins to rise, the senior officers begin to fear the consequences of Kano's undeniable effect on the other samurai.

Hailed by the LA Times as one of his finest films, Oshima's first feature for 13 years, GOHATTO is a classic Japanese period piece which manages to combine action and eroticism in equal measure. The beauty of the era is perfectly captured through the film's spectacular settings and costumes, the visuals enhanced by the captivating strains of BAFTA and Academy Award-winning composer Ryuichi Sakamoto's (The Sheltering Sky; The Last Emperor; Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence) lush score.

Legendary actor-director 'Beat' Takeshi Kitano (Battle Royale; Hana-bi; Sonatine; Boiling Point;Merry Christmas; Mr. Lawrence) gives a suitably enigmatic performance as the agonised samurai captain Hijikata, while newcomer Ryuhei Matsuda impresses in his feature film debut, playing Kano, the object of his comrades' desire. The film also stars Shinji Takeda (Pulse; The Happiness Of The Katakuris), Tadanobu Asano (Ichi The Killer) and Japanese film director Yoichi Sai (All Under The Moon).