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Kwaidan - Criterion Collection Actors: Rentaro Mikuni, Michiyo Aratama Director: Masaki Kobayashi Number of Items: 1 Picture Format: Anamorphic Widescreen Format: Color, Widescreen Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated) Running Time: 164 minutes Studio: Criterion Collection Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Region Code: 1 Product Group: DVD Release Date: 2000-10-10 Buy from Amazon |
 "An atmospheric horror film"As a positive comparison, "Kwaidan" reminds me of the TV series "Night Gallery;" each segment in this horror anthology is like a painting come to chilling life. Color and setting are characters playing important roles. Composed of four unrelated chapters, "Kwaidan" clearly finds it's roots in traditional Japanese theater. Rather than cinematic, the stories are theatrical. The pace is slow, patient and haunting. Stage lighting and costumes are used, although the camera work is film like. It is not a filmed stage play, but instead has elements of both film and stage. Some familiarity with Japanese folklore and history would be helpful when viewing "Kwaidan." The third story, "Hoichi the Earless," deals with the battle of the Genji and Heike clans which is familiar to any Japanese person. Also, the way and means of protecting yourself against spirits is different in Eastern traditions. The second tale, "The Woman in the Snow," is a Japanese vampire tale, and remains my favorite of the DVD. "An atmospheric horror film"As a positive comparison, "Kwaidan" reminds me of the TV series "Night Gallery;" each segment in this horror anthology is like a painting come to chilling life. Color and setting are characters playing important roles. Composed of four unrelated chapters, "Kwaidan" clearly finds it's roots in traditional Japanese theater. Rather than cinematic, the stories are theatrical. The pace is slow, patient and haunting. Stage lighting and costumes are used, although the camera work is film like. It is not a filmed stage play, but instead has elements of both film and stage. Some familiarity with Japanese folklore and history would be helpful when viewing "Kwaidan." The third story, "Hoichi the Earless," deals with the battle of the Genji and Heike clans which is familiar to any Japanese person. Also, the way and means of protecting yourself against spirits is different in Eastern traditions. The second tale, "The Woman in the Snow," is a Japanese vampire tale, and remains my favorite of the DVD. "unforgettable"Superb Japanese anthology film.Ravishing photography and incredibly beautiful sets make this a visual treat.Director Masaki Kobayashi does a wonderful job with the Lafcadio Hearn ghost stories instilling each with its own haunting quality.A must buy disc. "Superb introduction to Japanese mythology"Four traditional tales of the supernatural from Japan are the subject of this superb film. I'll be honest; I'd never heard of these stories nor though much about Japanese mythology before my girlfriend brought this DVD home to watch for her Japanese history class. She watched, and invited me to join in. I didn't think I be at all interested, but they are well-photographed and acted, and I found I really enjoyed them. The first tale "The Black Hair" was a very touching story about love and loss, and was my favorite. Highly Recommended. "This is superb"A true gem of a film! Every single picture is a painting of dashing colour and haunting atmosphere, and there are images in it that follow you through days and nights. I've hardly ever seen anything equalling the battle scene in the "Hoichi the Earless" chapter. The ghost stories are very traditional und might have come just as well from Europe, but the Japanese teach you the difference between a truly frightening and a simply grossing out or gruelling film. Look into the face of the snow woman und you'll know what I mean. |
