Woman in the Dunes (1964)

Striking Sisyphean parable involving an entomologist, a lonely widow, some enterprising villagers and a whole lot of sand. The gorgeous (though occasionally murky, though that may be a drawback of the DVD transfer) photography buoys up the impeccable dramatics, and the performers are more than able. Pacing and score often recall the extraordinary stylization of Noh drama, but unlike that acquired-taste art form this shit translates universally.

Grade: A-