Watch at Home
09.12.2025
Aroused by Gymnopedies
Directed by
Isao Yukisada
A modern take on the “Roman Porno” genre from director Isao Yukisada, Aroused by Gymnopedies is “an engaging and ultimately touching portrait of love, loneliness and loss of youth” (Variety).
Shinji, a middle-aged film director, finds himself in a period of creative crisis and self-destruction. After his failure making art films, he now finds himself shooting low-budget pornography as a means to get by. Across the span of one week, he embarks on a series of sexual encounters that put his work, relationships, and happiness in jeopardy.
Director & Cast
- Director: Isao Yukisada
- Starring: Sumire Ashina
- Starring: Itsuji Itao
- Starring: Shô Nishino
- Starring: Izumi Okamura
Where to Watch
Trailer

Photos
Reviews
- "Aroused by Gymnopedies is both a fitting and loving tribute to the best of the Roman Porno era, and a great film in its own right, offering a searching and convincing portrayal of a man driven to sex by painful circumstance. Isao Yukisada and lead actor Itsuji Itao bring a moving wistfulness to the film, ensuring that despite all its skin and sweat, it’s far more than a tacky exploitationer."
- "Itao is perfect as the rumpled Shinji, acting out rather than engaging with the people around him and refusing to acknowledge the damage he inflicts. Despite a willfully low budget, the technical specs are ace, with Satie’s piano suite supplying a suitably wistful score."
- "Pleasures of the flesh and pains of the soul potently combine in “Aroused by Gymnopedies,”... an engaging and ultimately touching portrait of love, loneliness and loss of youth."
Winner
Best New Talent
Blue Ribbon Awards
Best New Talent
Blue Ribbon Awards
Official Selection
Busan Int'l. Film Festival
Busan Int'l. Film Festival
Official Selection
Helsinki Int'l. Film Festival
Helsinki Int'l. Film Festival