The Shinsengumi ("New Selected Group") was a special elite squad formed by the Edo shogunate government to eliminate the revolutionaries who demanded the regime change. It is well known and one of the most popular theme covered by Japanese historic novels and movies that depict the county facing mounting pressure to open for trade with foreign (western) counties. Much lesser known is the homosexuality, though.
From the title "Gohatto" (trans. Taboo), people (especially in Christianity) may easily think that the forbidden is the homosexuality, but not exactly. The fact is "Shudo" (homosexuality) among Samurais are rather popular (not welcomed by many but not prohibited) in that era before the Christianity is formally allowed. And samurais in lower rank cannot refuse when seduced by those in higher ranks.
As a Japanese I know the fate of Shinsengumi, banded under fanatic and xenophobic belief (some form of insanity). That is why they needed very strict rules (Gohatto). And the balance started to deteriorate when they admit a too- beautiful young boy. A hidden theme of this film may be that one can only draw blurred lines between trust, worship, affection and lust.
Ryuhei Matsuda, in his film debut, looks like Kabuki actor portrayed by Japanese Ukiyo-e masters.
From the title "Gohatto" (trans. Taboo), people (especially in Christianity) may easily think that the forbidden is the homosexuality, but not exactly. The fact is "Shudo" (homosexuality) among Samurais are rather popular (not welcomed by many but not prohibited) in that era before the Christianity is formally allowed. And samurais in lower rank cannot refuse when seduced by those in higher ranks.
As a Japanese I know the fate of Shinsengumi, banded under fanatic and xenophobic belief (some form of insanity). That is why they needed very strict rules (Gohatto). And the balance started to deteriorate when they admit a too- beautiful young boy. A hidden theme of this film may be that one can only draw blurred lines between trust, worship, affection and lust.
Ryuhei Matsuda, in his film debut, looks like Kabuki actor portrayed by Japanese Ukiyo-e masters.
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