BLIND BEAST (1969) – The Dungeon Photo Review!

This is my second photo review and I find myself choosing another 1960’s Japanese film. Although the vast majority of Blind Beast takes place in one room; it is one hell of a freaking room! Just wait until you get a load of this funky-ass set! I can not justify it with words. The performances from the film’s three actors are all strong. The smashing Mako Midori plays kidnapped model Aki. Aki goes through a range of emotions before she comes to terms with her true nature. Eiji Funakoshi plays the blind sculptor Michio. Michio is awkward, naive, morose and occasionally pitiful. Despite the premise, the two characters; have strong chemistry together. Noriko Sengoku is solid as Michio’s tough but frighteningly dedicated mother. Blind Beast is a well-filmed, hypnotizing trip with tight performances and an unforgettable finale. Join me on a visual journey through Blind Beast country.

Aki is the subject of an artist’s exhibit. Aki’s naked body is featured in several photos and in a life-size sculpture.

Aki watches on as a blind man gropes her nude likeness. Once home, Aki orders a massage. They send a new masseuse named Michio who is revealed to be the blind man who was groping her sculpture. Michio drugs Aki and with his mother’s assistance they kidnap the model.

Aki awakes in darkness and is greeted by the voice of Michio. She starts to run and Michio turns a flashlight on her. The light reveals a wall covered in eyeballs. She continues to move around the room; each wall reveals a different body part.

The eyeball wall.

The nose wall.

The lip wall.

The breast wall.

The leg wall (you can also look forward to seeing the arm wall and the ear wall).

Michio wants Aki to agree to be his model, but Aki is not having any of it. Michio turns on the lights to reveal the entire warehouse. Two huge sculptures of naked females take up a good portion of the space. Aki immediately runs hoping to find the nearest exit. Despite Michio’s handicap he has an intimate knowledge of the room. His devoted mother does her part to help with security detail. What a mom! I mean, come on! How many mothers would help you kidnap a woman?

Aki will not eat and continues to adamantly refuse Michio’s proposal. Michio is unshaken.

Aki tries a different approach. She eats a meal with Michio all friendly-like; engaging him in conversation and plying him with wine. Aki works on turning Michio against his mother, always with the thought of escape. Escaping from a blind man and his mother proves to be a challenge.

Eventually Aki relents to Michio. Reluctance gives way to tolerance and even willingness. But a chance for escape would still be welcomed.

A chance for escape does present itself; but an unfortunate accident prevents success. At this point the story takes a very dark and twisted turn.

This is where my picture review ends. To give away Blind Beast’s finale would be a sin. The ending blind-sided me (no pun intended). The finale, while twisted, seemed logical enough, particularly considering the highly sensory theme throughout. While bloodless, it nonetheless packs quite a punch. Brilliant! Blind Beast gets my highest of recommendations; a perfect score!

Japanese with English subtitles.

Dungeon Rating: 5/5

Directed By: Yasuzo Masumura

Starring: Eiji Funakoshi, Mako Midori, Noriko Sengoku