Thirty years ago, I was lined up to appear in court to defend Oshima's sexually explicit political allegory and was clear in my mind what I would say to persuade judge and jury that it was a great work of art. Fortunately, I wasn't called as I had been a decade earlier to speak up for Last Exit to Brooklyn. I still find In the Realm of the Senses impressive but it now puzzles and worries me. I might be reduced to more than my usual stuttering hesitation were I now to step into the witness box at the Old Bailey to testify.