Manji (1964)

Comedy / Drama / LGBT / Sex Comedy

TW: Blood, Homophobia, Miscarriages/Abortion, Pregnancy, Sexism and Misogyny, Sexual Assault, Suicide

Worth Watching? Yes

Bechdel Test? Pass

Race Bechdel Test? Pass

Major LGBT Tropes: Bury Your Gays, Depraved Bisexual, LGBT Awakening

Synopsis (from imdb): A childless housewife falls in love with a beautiful model.

My Thoughts: The title of this film is "Swastika", so you will see a swastika, but don't worry! It's a reference to Buddhism. I'm a bit torn on this one. The increasingly villainous behavior of Mitsuko (the bisexual seductress) was a bit of an eye-roller, but I guess this is supposed to be a "sex comedy" so.. I don't know. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. The sex scenes were tasteful and there were some very tender moments early in the film that are worth seeing. As far as I can tell, this is the first film with a lesbian sex scene. Nothing is implicit about the relationship. Also.. minor pillow fight alert!

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Queer Body Count: 1

Straight Body Count: 1

Total Queer Body Count: 10 (32%)

Total Straight Body Count: 11 (8%)

Queer Sexual Violence Victim Count: 1

Straight Sexual Violence Victim Count: 0

Total Queer Sexual Violence Victim Count: 3 (10%)

Total Straight Sexual Violence Victim Count: 1 (1%)