The fantasy land designed by is a little dictatorship. Part of the realm once disappeared into the sea and now it is as well-organised as a small island. The absolute ruler of the island of Goto is the governor. One unhappy day he catches his wife with a lover. The lover will have to die, but there is also a simple servant who will inflence the course of things, driven by love. breathes the political atmosphere of the year in which it was made, 1968, but its powerful, stylised and original form has certainly stood the test of time. Borowczyk portrays a sinister story with a poetic and philosophical bent. The simple means that Borowczyk uses to bring this story to life are reminiscent of theatre, for instance of Brecht, but then slightly more absurd and surrealistic. He builds his universe with realistic sets, real horses and a beach.
