• Yabu no Naka no Kuroneko / The Black Cat (1968)

    Yabu no Naka no Kuroneko, internationally known as The Black Cat, is a Japanese movie from the late sixties shot in black and white that combines historical drama and folkloristic horror elements.

    This film tells the story of a mother and her daughter-in-law who get brutally raped and murdered by a group of sixteen samurai while their son and husband is absent for military duty. As their hut burns down, their black cat licks their dead bodies and the ladies decide to make a pact with the devil in order to bring vengeance upon the samurai who are often considered national heroes. Several years later, the ladies appear at a gate at night and lure lonely samurai into the woods to murder them. The governor decides to send his best samurai to investigate the serial killings. Ironically, the son and husband of the deceased is chosen for this task. A dramatic turn of events thus unfolds.

    This movie convinces on numerous levels. First, the combination of historical drama and folkloristic horror elements is balanced, diversified and exciting throughout. The story is emotional, intriguing and traditional. The fact that the movie was shot in black and white adds much atmosphere to the creepy movie that will sends shivers down your spine. Visual special effects are used in small doses but work particularly efficiently up to this day. The acting performances are very decent and so are the fascinating characters. The movie is also quite unique since it shows samurai as brutal, egoistical and selfish which is actually a trademark for director Shindo Kaneto. The bonus material on the Criterion release of this film provides educating, interesting and surprising additional information about the feature film.

    This film however also has a few minor downsides. Its pace is rather slow and makes the movie difficult to get into. Several scenes are repetitive as we observe the ghostly women lure quite a few men into their deadly trap. The film's resolution is certainly a bold choice but also a quite controversial one. Personally, I haven't appreciated how this movie ends as it left me unsatisfied and scratching my head.

    Still, Yabu no Naka no Kuroneko is a historical drama and folkloristic horror movie that deserves attention, recognition and respect. The visual effects, the story and the characters are particularly interesting. If you don't mind a slow pace, some repetition and a daring conclusion, then you certainly should give this movie a try.

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  • Koiya Koi Nasuna Koi / The Mad Fox (1962)

    Koiya Koi Nasuna Koi is internationally known as Love, Thy Name Be Sorrow or as The Mad Fox. This movie was made by Uchida Tomu, who has been making several remarkable period dramas known as jidaigeki. This particular movie is based upon a puppet theatre play, also known as a bunraku play, from the early eighteenth century. This is the reason why the movie includes several elements of theatre play such as pieces of scenery, singing performances and stages. Artistically, intellectually and visually, this movie is certainly unique and might need some time to properly unfold.

    The story is quite complex, epic and traditional. It revolves around renowned fortune-teller Kamo no Yasunori who is murdered in a plot planned by his devious wife and his jealous former student. His faithful disciple and his adopted daughter get blamed for this vicious crime. She gets tortured to death while he manages to escape, murders the pitiless widow of the deceased fortune-teller and steals the oracle scroll. Maddened by the tragical series of events, the faithful disciple wanders Japan until he meets the twin sister of the murderer adopted daughter. Mistaking her for the deceased lady, he decides to settle with her. The jealous former student has however mobilized troops to find and assassinate the maddened disciple and reclaim the oracle scroll. As the troops are hunting the faithful disciple and his lover, a fox lady gets severely injured. The disciple saves her life and brings the kitsune to her husband and her granddaughter who falls in love with the disciple. On their way back home, the disciple and his lover get attacked and separated by the troops. The fox people intervene, save their lives and retrieve the oracle scroll. The granddaughter takes the appearance of the disciple's lover, nurses him back to health and established a family with him. A dramatic turn of events occurs when the faithful disciple regains his sanity and understands that he has been tricked more than once.

    This film convinces on multiple layers. First and foremost, the influences of traditional Japanese theatre plays make this film creative, diversified and unique. The folkloristic elements ranging from characters over costumes to locations add much depth to the movie. The detailed, diversified and profound story challenges viewers on an emotional and intellectual level.

    However, this film also has a few minor downsides. Its intellectual style might be difficult to approach not only for foreign audiences but also for contemporary Japanese viewers. This film at times includes too many ideas instead of fleshing out a few essential points. The settings look cheap and haven't aged particularly well. The singing performances that increase by the movie's resolution sound nerve-firing.

    At the end of the day, Koiya Koi Nasuna Koi is a movie that deserves to be explored by cineasts who like to think outside the box. The combination of folklore, musical and theatre elements make this romantic drama one of a kind. Viewers however need an open mind and a lot of patience to appreciate this film for what it is. This movie is best enjoyed on your own on a rainy night but nothing to be watched with family members or friends in a joyful and light-hearted setting.

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  • Ogsuyeog Gwisin / The Ghost Station (2022)

    The Ghost Station, originally known as Ogsuyeog Gwisin, is a short and concise South-Korean horror film that entertains from start to finish as it pays tribute to Japanese horror movies from the late nineties and early years of the new millennium. If you are a fan of films such as The Ring, Dark Water and Marebito, then you are going to be enjoying The Ghost Station for sure. If you like this new film but aren't familiar with these Japanese horror films yet, then there are many outstanding feature films for you to discover and enjoy.

    To keep it simple, this movie tells the story of a nervous male security agent and an ambitious female journalist who are investigating a series of mysterious events related to an abandoned train station.

    This film convinces on numerous levels. Its length is concise, focused and precise without any passages dragging on for much too long or completely unnecessary scenes.

    The film's gloomy, mysterious and uneasy atmosphere is sustained from start to finish which leads to an excellent exposition, a tense rising action, an exciting climax, a breathtaking falling action and a memorable resolution.

    The realistic locations with a sinister touch add a realistic tone to the horror film which makes it chilling, creepy and tense.

    Instead of revolving around overtly brutal scenes or unimaginative jump scares, the film cleverly builds up a haunting atmosphere that gets almost unbearable by the end of the film.

    This movie however also focuses on character development as the two lead characters are authentic, courageous and sympathetic as they care about important values such as honesty, justice and truth. The side characters are also fleshed out wonderfully such as the traumatized lady bringing the terrible past to light and the journalist's manipulative, nihilistic and selfish boss.

    The acting performances are certainly above average throughout with promising newcomer Kim Na-yoon delivering the goods as pitiless villainess and seasoned actress Shin So-yul incarnating a traumatized woman with a haunting background story.

    The varied, dynamic and creative camera work throughout the movie transmits an claustrophobic, dark and eerie atmosphere.

    Lighting techniques are used very cleverly to enhance these strong emotions. The combination of lights and shades makes for a balanced mixture intertwining investigate scenes with horrifying highlights. The lighting techniques are at times foreboding but may also lead viewers down a wrong path on certain occasions. The technicians behind this film certainly deserve much approval and recognition.

    The varied sound effects blend in perfectly. They are perfectly balanced between calmer sections and louder moments. The former evoke a sinister atmosphere while the latter will bring viewers onto the edges of their seats.

    The somber soundtrack makes the bigger picture even more convincing. Rather than showing off or being unnecessarily experimental, the music employed in this feature film precisely enhances the atmospheres of the different scenes. Dark elements of foreshadowing employ an elegiac score while the film's intense moments feature a much more unnerving soundtrack.

    The fact that numerous surprisingly harsh critics claim that the plot isn't original is actually the whole purpose of this film since it pays tribute to the classics released two to three decades ago by now. Genre fans will certainly appreciate spotting references, easter eggs and allusions here and there as these elements also add to the replay value of this underrated gem. Instead of nervously innovating, this film brings the aforementioned classics back to life in a refreshing way that feels dynamic rather than nostalgic.

    As a seasoned fan of Asian horror cinema, I hold The Ghost Station in high regard as it includes every single element that make this genre stand out so positively while adding fresh new faces in form of excellent actors and actresses. The number of Asian horror films has steadily been decreasing in the past few years and I hope that movies such as The Ghost Station will inspire a return of this dearly appreciated cinematic universe.

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  • Perfect Days (2023)

    Perfect Days is a slice-of-life combining comedy and drama elements directed by renowned German filmmaking veteran Wim Wenders and starring a selection of extraordinary Japanese actresses and actors. Shot in only seventeen days in Tokyo, this movie shows us two weeks in the life of a middle-aged public toilet cleaner. This movie has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best International Feature Film and overall deserves its critical acclaim.

    This movie convinces on numerous levels. First of all, the locations in Tokyo are particularly fascinating as we get to explore a selection of modern, clean and artistic public toilets that should set new quality standards all around the world.

    Up next, the movie convinces with its realism and almost feels like a documentary which makes it easy to empathize with its characters.

    Speaking of its characters, they are quite eclectic, memorable and unique. Lead character Hirayama is a humble, quiet and simple man who enjoys the little details in his everyday life such as music from the sixties and seventies that he is listening to on his old cassettes, the colours, growth and shapes of trees in urban parks or the occasional drink at his favourite bar whose middle-aged owner is an extraordinary singer. His colleague Takashi is the exact opposite of the protagonist. He is rather young, often nervous and disorganized and doesn't value his job as he often comes late, leaves early and ultimately quits altogether from one day to the next. His crush Aya is a beautiful young woman with extraordinary style but behind the façade is a fragile lady who has trouble establishing lasting relationships. Hirayama's new colleague Sato on the other side is disciplined, organized and socially awkward. His niece Niko has a troublesome relationship with her strict mother, runs away from home and craves for life lessons from her calm and composed uncle. Speaking of her mother Keiko, we notice that she has a successful career and wealthy lifestyle but is lacking empathy and has trouble getting along with others. Every single side character is fleshed out very decently in this movie from the wise-cracking bookstore owner over the lonesome divorced mama and her nostalgic ex-husband who is dying of cancer to the young man with Down syndrome who has an obsession with Takashi's ears.

    The movie doesn't follow a precise story line and might be interpreted in many different ways. In my opinion, this movie is about enjoying the little things in life and being content with your decisions regardless of the judgement of others. Hirayama faces a lot of comments, expectations and opinions. His colleague doesn't understand at all why he is taking his job so seriously. His sister looks down upon him because he is a public toilet cleaner. The ex-husband of the mama wants him to take care of the lady after his own demise. Hirayama shows much affection, empathy and sympathy towards all these characters which shows his emotional, fragile and soft side but he is overall content with his the beauty, simplicity and routine of his own life. These conflicting emotions are shown in the memorable closing scene that is worth being discussed among cineasts.

    The more one tends to analyze, revisit and think of this movie, the better Perfect Days becomes. It's a wonderful film to revisit if you are craving for a composed, emotional and thoughtful movie without any action sequences, special effects and thrills. This film is greater than its parts and its down-stripped approach certainly makes it stand out.

    A few elements one could criticize are the film's considerable length, its slow pace and the lack of a gripping story. Still, these are no accidental mistakes but deliberate decisions taken by an experienced filmmaker. It's simply a matter of perspective whether you interpret such elements as flaws or strengths or decide to keep a neutral attitude about them.

    In my personal case, I have come to appreciate the peaceful, inspiring and beautiful nature of Perfect Days and would strongly recommend it to my friends and also purchase this movie to revisit it anytime I need to take a creative break from my everyday life.

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  • Shokei Yuugi / The Execution Game (1979)

    Shokei yuugi, internationally known as The Execution Game, is the third and last part in a movie series about pitiless contract killer Narumi Shouhei. This is also the greatest effort in the entertaining trilogy. The story is more personal than ever before this time around as Narumi Shouhei gets trapped by a group of vicious gangsters who torture him and force him to orchestrate a hit on one of his colleagues.

    This movie convinces on numerous levels. First and foremost, the movie's character development is absolutely outstanding. Lead character Narumi Shouhei has become somewhat disillusioned by his profession. He seeks a stable romantic relationship, is haunted by bouts of isolation and behaves in a more conscious, philosophical and responsible way. His target is Okajima Yoshikatsu, a veteran among hitmen who wants to retire from the dangerous job, leave his past behind and start a new life abroad. The protagonist's mysterious lover is Kano Noako who works for a group of ruthless criminals to seduce men and put them into dangerous or even deadly situations. She starts regretting her actions, desires to organize changes in her life and wants to break free. The relations between these three key characters are fascinating throughout the film.

    An honourable mention goes out to the nameless side character who runs a watch repair shop. She is fascinated by Narumi Shouhei's sophisticated watch and his cool manners but when she finally has the courage to ask him out on a date, the lonesome hitman who would have initiated such an invitation himself in the past now decides to turn her down because he realizes that his identity, lifestyle and past might put her at risk. These gradual interactions between the young lady and the seasoned hitman throughout the movie show the protagonist's development best.

    Another element that has changed in comparison to the two predecessors are the locations. While the previous films take place in busy downtown areas with hostess bars, this movie shows Narumi Shouhei living in a quiet suburb of Tokyo, walking relaxedly to the watch repair shop and taking his lover on a beautiful drive to the coast. These settings show the protagonist's calm, isolated and yearning character traits.

    The film's opening is another noteworthy element that stands out right from the start. While the two predecessors always show Narumi Shouhei in complete control of even the most complicated and dangerous situations, things take a different turn here. The contract killer is seduced and set up by a mysterious woman he barely knows, he is then brutally tortured by a group of ruthless criminals and when he finally manages to free himself, the criminals capture him again and explain that his temporary escape was actually a test planned by the organization. It's fascinating to watch the protagonist deal with this unexpected loss of control and its consequences.

    The movie's ending is equally memorable as the protagonist's character development in this moody conclusion of the trilogy comes full circle. Without giving you too many details, the protagonist offers one of the antagonists a choice rather than imposing his views by force. This more mature, responsible and thoughtful procedure underlines that the character who has been going through changes throughout the film has now found his new identity. It's only fitting that the trilogy concludes this way as the protagonist decidedly moves on with his life.

    Needless to say that despite all these intriguing new elements, The Execution Game still remains an outstanding action-thriller. The protagonist gets seduced, tortured and exploited. Up next, he investigates, infiltrates and executes his orders with deadly precision. Narumi Shouhei finally turns against his oppressors in a manner that combines violence with intellect. This swiftly-paced gangster movie has stood the test of time and should still keep viewers on the edges of their seats after all these years.

    To conclude, the third and final film of the Game Trilogy reminds me a little bit of the third and final film of The Godfather trilogy. In both cases, the atmosphere is moody, the lead character is going through changes and philosophical elements become as important as the business side of organized crime. Many critics find the third and final film of The Godfather trilogy the worst but it has always been my personal favourite. For very similar reasons, The Execution Game is also my favourite entry in this trilogy as it deserves to be revisited time and again. If you are only looking for a brutal gangster film, then the two predecessors might please you much more but if you like action-thrillers with emotional, intellectual and philosophical depth, then this wonderful conclusion to the trilogy delivers in spades and still deserves recognition and respect in this day and age.

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