This
is one of 100 films directed by Takashi Miike since 1991, made in tandem
with AS
THE GODS WILL in 2014. It's a drastic departure from his Yazuka
movies, but conceptually similar to his later Chambara films. Critics
have recognized the AUDITION
quality in this remarkable, darkly conceived horror film. Here is the
story of an actress named Oiwa, playing the lead in a theatrical adaptation
of the classic ghost story "Yotsuya Kaidan." She pulls
some strings to get her lover cast in the play, even though he's relatively
unknown (and possibly out of his element). Other cast members are jealous
of the situation and some of them also harbor a deep sexual attraction
towards Oiwa. As their stage performances intensify, it becomes clear
that an unhealthy lust is also amplifying in their personal lives which
results in gruesome mayhem.
Director
Takashi Miike is in top form here, more comfortable than usual behind
the camera, as he surrounds himself with a troupe of familiar actors
from his most successful productions. For example, lead actress Ko Shibasaki
is one of Japan's top actresses today (after starring in blockbuster
hits GO,
DORORO
and BATTLE
ROYALE, et al) but - in the beginning - she was essentially
a Miike discovery (ONE
MISSED CALL). Popular actor Hideaki Ito initially found stardom
with Miike's SUKIYAKI
WESTERN DJANGO and the more recent LESSON
OF EVIL. Co-star Ebizo Ichikawa also worked with Miike for his
HARI-KIRI
after starring in SPACE
BATTLESHIP YAMATO.
A Japanese
film with English subtitles; widescreen format (16:9), totally uncut version
(94 min.), DVD encoded for ALL REGION NTSC, playable on any American machine.
Extras include theatrical trailer.
Graphic
Violence/Nudity/Sexual Brutality:
For
Adult Audiences