The 1975 Japanese film “Wife To Be Sacrificed” directed by Masaru Konuma is a notable work of Japanese exploitation cinema. The story is based on a book by renowned erotic writer Oniriku Dan. Nagatoshi Sakamoto plays Kunishada, an unrepentant pervert who kidnaps his kimono-clad ex-wife Akiko, portrayed by Naomi Tani, and takes her to a remote mountain house.
Initially, Kunishada simply ties up and humiliates Akiko, but things take a darker turn when she cuts him with a razor. Subsequently, Akiko endures various forms of bondage and is subjected to hot wax. Following a failed escape, Akiko is assaulted by two hunters, leading to a transformation in her response to her debasement. Meanwhile, Kunishada discovers a near-dead woman, Kaoru, in a cave, leading to unexpected developments in the plot.
The film falls under the genres of adult, romance, and horror, offering an intense and unsettling viewing experience. The MPAA has given it a rating of NR (Not Rated), reflecting its mature and graphic content. “Wife To Be Sacrificed” is a product of its time, showcasing the audacious and boundary-pushing nature of 1970s Japanese cinema.
