Taboo Anothah Gay Film with a Homophobic
Message!
by Tallulah
Givehead
Puhleez help us oh Lord! Not only must we fight the
homophobic world at large, we have to be wary of
homophobia in the guise of gay films!
"Taboo" is just one such film. Luring us
with its brilliant cinematography, costuming, set
design, superb acting (for all except the lead);
it's ending leaves us with the message tht
homosexuals must be murdered because they disturb
society's equilibrium. Hayuvn't we hayud enough of
this?
The year is 1865 - the location is Kyoto, Japan -
and the scene is a samurai training school where new
recruits are being tested with their fencing skills.
These samurai warriors are to keep peace in a Kyoto
which is being sorely tested by revolutionaries
against the Shogunate. The Shinsen-gumi is run by
strict rules which hang over the fencing room where
the transfixingly sensuous, champion fencer Kano
Sozaburo (Ryuhei
Matsuda in his acting debut - and y'all can
tell) is matched with Tashiro (Tadanobu
Asano), a low-ranking samurai. The whole room is
entranced by Kano's beauty which could only be
described as feminine. The men realize that Kano has
homosexual tendencies and lieutenant Toshizo
Hijikata (
"Beat" Takeshi Kitano) is convinced that Kano
and Tashiro are having an affair.
In truth Kano has
resisted Tashiro's charms but the sexual tension
between the two men is palpable throughout the film.
Kano actually does have an affair with Tojiro Yuzawa
(Tomorowo
Taguchi) whose murder throws the samurai
warriors into crises mode. The leaders try to get
Kano to have sex with a geisha, but the attempt
fails. A series of incidents ensue that lead to a
major crises with the military unit.
And thusly, this film
continues the dark era theatrical message that
homosexuals must be miserable and/or die by the end
of the play. The gripping and superb - yet extremely
homophobic film -
"The Children's Hour" is the perfect example of
such a message; however, it was not targeted as a
release for the gay community. Watch
"Taboo" and tell me if you agree.
Tallulah Givehead is
a Fabulous drag queen living in Portland, Oregon
(Lord only knows why!) writing reviews of gay film
by day and tearing up the stage by night. You
can read her reviews here as well as at her blog,
QUEER VUE MIRROR.
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