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Profound Desires of the Gods

神々の深き欲望

Directed by: Shohei Imamura
1968 / 175 minutes / Unclassified 15+

Ancient traditions clash with the approaching tide of modernity

Set on the fictional island of Kurage, this expansive drama centres around the highly eccentric Futori family, whose primitive culture and incestuous relationships reflect the island’s isolation and cultural stagnation. When Kariya, an engineer from Tokyo, and other outsiders attempt to transform the island into a sugar mill and tourist destination, the Futori clan resists, clinging to their superstitious rituals and taboos. 

Carnal, wild and unconventional, Profound Desires of the Gods feels like a fever dream in a land beyond time, earning its reputation as one of Imamura’s most provocative films. Despite its initial commercial failure, the film remains a testament to Imamura’s vision, delving deep into themes of identity, exploitation and spiritual redemption. With its unflinching portrayal of a society in flux, the film’s enduring legacy lies in Imamura’s ability to provoke audiences, raising questions about the cost of modernisation.