Noroi: The Curse (2005) [Film Review]

Noroi: The Curse: or, Into the Twilight Zone

     I want the truth. No matter how terrifying. I want the truth. ~ Masafumi Kobayashi

When I think about the genre of mockumentaries, the first image that comes to my mind is that of Trailer Park Boys (2001-2018) doing crazy stuff while drinking lots of alcohol. Little did I know, director Koji Shiraishi utilised the exceptional style documentary/found footage convention to make some juicy J-Horror flicks. Without hesitation, I checked out the most praised Shiraishi’s movie, Noroi: The Curse from 2005.

Release Info

Directed by: Koji Shiraishi Starring: Jin Muraki, Tomoko Kuga, Satoru Jitsunashi

Language: Japanese Original Title: ノロイ Runtime: 115 min

Synopsis

Masafumi Kobayashi (Jin Muraki) is an enthusiast of paranormal phenomena. He researches the domain of the supernatural and frequently records his investigations on camera. Called by concerned neighbours, he tries to interview a certain Junko Ishii (Tomono Kuga) and her young son due to paranormal stuff which is supposedly going on in the house. Kobayashi is chased away together with his cameraman, but he keeps digging. He discovers that Ishii used to be a daughter of a respected exorcist from the now non-existing village Shimokage. It turns out that an ancient demon known as Kagutaba is on the loose, possessing souls of innocent victims. Kobayashi joins forces with a crazy psychic Hori (Satoru Jitsunashi) and actress Marika Matsumoto (herself) to solve the mystery.

Pigeons, Babies, and Folklore

I have to say that I found it hard to treat this film seriously at the very beginning. The opening credits literally throw a major spoiler at you, and Masafumi Kobayashi is such a one-dimensional character that it’s best to describe him as a lost member of the Ghostbusters team who chases after Scooby-Doo cases. Nevertheless, this is where my criticism ends.

After a shaky encounter with Junko Ishii, the movie really picks up in terms of quality and pacing. I found myself totally engrossed in a mysterious tale, really wanting to find out how all the things are connected. What is more, apart from the misadventures of Masafumi, the viewers are presented with clips from variety shows, newsflash, and family recordings. As a result, the documentary style does not downplay but actually enhances the aesthetic tone of this horror story. 

What is more, I have to praise Koji Shiraishi for not relying on jumpscares (*Ring PTSD flashbacks*), and instead trying to provide the scares in a more unique manner (video distortions, weird visions of the characters, etc.) The whole concept of Kagutaba and the demon’s backstory are excellent. A lot of this information is provided via exposition, but it really triggers the viewers’ imagination and provides a huge pay-off at the end. In addition, maybe it’s just me, but I think that the music score was inspired by Ennio Morricone’s theme for The Thing (1982).

With regard to performances, a lot of unknown faces appear in this movie, but you can still spot such recognisable actors as Yosuke Asari, Sarina Suzuki, and Dankan in very small parts. Marika Matsumoto, Satoru Jitsunashi, and Tomono Kuga really gave their best on the screen. Jin Muraki is okay as Masafumi. Noroi remains Muraki’s most recognisable picture as the actor did not do much acting work after this movie.

Recommendations

If you look for some proper thrills and not-to-shabby J-Horror, then Noroi: The Curse is the choice for you. Being encouraged by this mockumentary, I will try to check out other films by Koji Shiraishi.

Overall score: 8/10

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Pulse (2001) [Film Review]

Pulse: or, Nowhere to Run

     In 10 years, or at least while we're still alive, they'll invent a drug that prevents death. Then, we could live forever and ever. Of course, you might think I'm crazy to say that, but... I'd rather bet on that. 

Having been inspired by the J-Horror discussion club last Spring, I grabbed Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s Pulse movie from 2001. Although not as famous as Cure (1997), the movie is an interesting take on the apocalypse scenario triggered by internet connection.

Release Info

Directed by: Kiyoshi Kurosawa Starring: Kimiko Aso, Haruhiko Kato, Koyuki

Language: Japanese Original Title: 回路 Runtime: 118 min

Synopsis

Kudo Michi (Kumiko Aso) works at a plant shop in Tokyo. One day, her co-worker, who was working on a computer disc, went missing. Michi goes to his apartment and the man in question hangs himself in her presence. Fellow friends inspect the contents of the disc and discover that it contains an image of Taguchi staring at his own computer monitor. In the meantime, Ryousuke (Haruhiko Kato), an economics student, tries to set up an internet connection in his apartment. Nevertheless, his computer accesses a website on its own, showing him disturbing images of people alone in dark rooms, exhibiting strange behavior. Ryosuke consults Harue (Koyuki), a computer expert at his university about the problem. They discover that ghosts are slipping into our reality...

Portal to Another World 

Evidently, Pulse came out at the heyday of J-Horror when the market was flooded with numerous titles after the successful release of Ring in 1998. Kurosawa’s movie has a very gripping storyline, and thankfully does not rely on jumpscares. Come to think of it, the movie does not even contain explicit graphic content. As a result, I would classify it more as a mystery thriller rather than a proper horror.

The depressing mood of the picture is evidently its greatest advantage. Why are the main characters so afraid of loneliness? Why are they visited by ghosts? The viewers eventually get all the answers in this slow-burn story, and the overall explanation is really a downer. Pulse is yet another Japanese film which ponders upon an existentialist worldview. In a society where one individual can easily suffer from isolation, is there any hope for happiness at all?

In terms of disadvantages, it has to be pointed out that Pulse actually has a few CGI sequences, but these did not age well. However, considering the fact that it was the year 2001 and Japanese Cinema was at the beginning of utilising digital effects, this aspect is forgivable. However, completely unforgivable is a cheap screenwriting trick in the course of which a completely random guy provides clueless Ryousuke with a much-needed exposition halfway through the film. 

Still, I greatly enjoyed the production design. The empty streets of Tokyo looked amazing and close encounters in “forbidden rooms” are classic. The sound editing also has to be praised, especially in the scenes involving ghosts “communicating” with our heroes. 

With regard to performances, I think that Kumiko Aso, Haruhiko Kato, and Koyuki did a great job. They were not that recognisable back in 2001 as they are today, but their performances are indeed memorable. Interestingly, Koji Yakusho has a small appearance as well.

Recommendations

If you look for an old J-Horror that strives to depress you rather than scare you, then Pulse is the perfect choice. It is a unique endeavour from director Kiyoshi Kurosawa which definitely has creepy moments and an uncanny atmosphere. I guess the best way to avoid the plight of the characters is to refrain from using Internet Explorer as the main browser. By the way, I would like to use this opportunity to give a shout out to Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan and her awesome analysis of Pulse. Go check it out if you can.

Overall score: 8/10

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Ichi (2008) [Film Review]

Ichi; or, The Tale of Female Warrior
     Those who cannot see... do not know where the boundaries are. We can't see boundaries, like whether it's day or night right now, or where the path we're walking on suddenly disappears. And since we can't see, it's terrifying. Who is good, and who is bad? Where are the boundaries for that?! I don't even know that much! I can't even see for sure whether I'm alive, or whether I'm dead!
Ichi is a 2008 adaptation of a manga series created by Hana Shinohara. Inspired by the Zatoichi figure, the manga centers around the character of Ichi, a blind woman who wanders through Japan in search of her mentor, the man who taught her the art of swordsmanship. Interestingly, the fans of the manga were disappointed with many differences conveyed in the movie adaptation.

Release Info

Directed by: Fumihiko Sori Starring: Haruka Ayase, Takao Osawa, Shido Nakamura

Language: Japanese Original Title: Ichi Runtime: 120 min

Synopsis
Ichi (a m a z i n g Haruka Ayase) searches for her mentor, the master of backhanded, straight-stroke style. While confronting a gang of thugs, she encounters Fujihira Toma (Takao Osawa), a wandering samurai who was expelled from his clan. The two venture into a village that is plagued by savage bandits. Contrary to Toma, Ichi does not want to get involved. Eventually, she faces off against the bandits when discovering that their leader might have some information about her mentor’s whereabouts…

Like Father Like Daughter
I have to admit that I did not read the manga, so I am writing this review from a standpoint of a person who has seen only Zatoichi movies. In this regard, that is Ichi being a modern take on the Zatoichi myth with double twist, the movie works flawlessly. However, I can understand the outrage of manga fans that the screenplay gives little care to the supporting characters.

The secret as to why Ichi works is primarily due to Haruka Ayase’s crazy awesome performance. I have seen the actress previously in such dramas as Hero and Mr Brain, but I have never suspected that she is capable of playing such a complex and kick-ass character. She absolutely owns the movie.

Another great advantage are the fight scenes, which seem to be an improvement over good-looking action set pieces from Takeshi Kitano’s Zatoichi (2003). It is exhilarating to see how Ichi obliterates the bad guys in slow motion.

Additionally, there is a variety of great actors in supporting roles, including Yosuke Kobuzoka as the righteous villager, Akira Emoto as the village leader, Eri Watanabe as the maid, and Shido Nakamura as bat-shit crazy samurai who went rogue.

The only thing that I disliked about the movie is that there are a bit generic villains. The screenplay desperately tries to make them come off as brutal and gruesome, but in reality they are no match for the main heroine.

Recommendations
If you want to experience a Zatoichi story from a different perspective, then Ichi is the movie for you. I’m not going to lie that I fell in love with Haruka Ayase after watching it. Hopefully, I will be able to check out the manga series in the future as well. Ichi definitely deserves another movie or even a drama series.Overall score: 9/10

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Boiling Point (1990) [Film Review]

Boiling Point; or, It’s not a Home Run

     Playing in such a dusty place… What a bunch of idiots!
Boiling Point marks Takeshi Kitano’s second directorial feature. Although Violence Cop (1989) and Sonatine (1993) gained popularity in the West, Boiling Point somehow drifted through unnoticed by the public. Nevertheless, it is still Kitano’s movie with all the recognisable trademarks of the director.

Release Info

Directed by: Takeshi Kitano Starring: Yurei Yanagi, Dankan, Takeshi Kitano, Yuriko Ishida, Eri Fuse

Language: Japanese Original Title: 3-4x10月 Runtime: 97 min

Synopsis
Masaki (Yurei Yanagi) is a player at a local baseball team. The boy is phlegmatic and inattentive but he stays out of trouble. However, he is attacked at a gas station by a yakuza member. Masaki seeks help at his baseball coach/former gangster, Iguchi. However the mentor’s intervention only brings further retaliation. Iguchi is badly beaten up by the yakuza. In an act of revenge, Masaki and his fellow teammate, Kazuo (Dankan) go to Okinawa to buy weapons with which they will kill the gangsters. While on Okinawa, they encounter Uehara (Takeshi Kitano) who turns out to be a sociopath desiring to settle the score with his local superiors.

Play Ball!
The original title of Boiling Point is actually 3 to 4x October which refers to the team’s score in the movie. Similarly to Kitano’s other productions from the 1990s, Boiling Point is also packed with black humour and unconventional narrative style.

To be honest, the movie feels like a collection of WTF moments. While watching it, you will learn how to (repeatedly) knock someone unconscious, how to kill a military officer in broad daylight, and how to smuggle weapons through airport service. Boiling Point seems to be lighter in its mood than Violent Cop, but it still contains nihilistic undertones about the cycle of violence and fragility of life.

That’s Takeshi Kitano for you. You know you should not be laughing at certain drastic moments, but you just can’t help yourself. I guess my favourite scene is the one in which Masaki tries to get a handgun to work, but he accidentally fires a bullet through a car windshield.

With regard to performances, Yurei Yanagai and Dankan really carry the film with their performances. Takeshi Kitano is, as always, too cool for school but I believe he did much better in Sonatine (1993) and Hana-bi (1997). If you are a fan of Satoshi Miki’s movies, then you will spot his wife, Eri Fuse in a supporting role. In addition, this film marked the debut of the wonderful Yuriko Ishida. She was only 20 years old!

Recommendations
If you are looking for low-key Kitano without too much blood, but a high level of black comedy, then Boiling Point is the movie for you. If you enjoy yakuza vibes, then give it a try. I’m surprised that the yakuza did not go after Kitano for the unfavourable portrayal of gangster life in Boiling Point. I guess they only hate Juzo Itami’s Minbo (1992).Overall score: 7/10

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