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Tuesday, April 28, 2009

JAPANESE HORROR ANTHOLOGY: LEGENDS (2005)

Title: Japanese Horror Anthology: Legends
Alternate Title: Inagawa Junji no Shinjitsu no Horro
© 2002-2003 KADOKAWA HORROR CINEMA SERIES Film Partners
Summary:


Peony Lamp: A Japanese maverick samurai, Shinzaburo, receives a surprise night-time visit of his former lover, Tsuyu, who is supposed to have died of a disease.
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Review:
A gorgeous-looking history piece, this one was just as much a forbidden-love story as it was a horror story and gives a nice sentimentality for those who love romance to savor. For those of you who don’t love romance, relax, the scary stuff is on its way. The relationship between Tsuyu and Shinzaburo seems so deep that it is impossible to wish for them not to be together, even though it quickly becomes clear that the romance is literally impossible. Still, I could have smacked that idiotic Banzo for saying such horrible things about Tsuyu-dono! This was a touching and beautifully structured ghost tale that leaves you justly shaken, but somehow still believing that love triumphed…probably.
- Latoya



She-Bear: Schoolgirls Mima and Rika saw a poster in a tunnel that warns, "If you see a woman with a teddy-bear doll you should run for your life." Mami feels something disturbing, but Rika dismisses it as just another hoax.
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Review:
She-Bear is one of the most utterly terrifying Japanese horrors I’ve seen in a while. Its scare factor is similar to that of the Ring or the Grudge—the two-punch combo of killer audio and a creepy, sub-human monster appearing out of nowhere—I literally jumped at certain parts. The plot revolved around an urban legend: “If you see She-Bear, you should run” and the terrors that befall two friends who don’t heed the warning. Overall, this will leave you huddled in your chair with your hands over your futilely gasping mouth as your eyes pivot upon the screen, unable to do anything but watch in fear and condemnation of the fact that neither of these girls can runaway properly.
-Latoya


Yamamba: Magazine writers are sent out to an outback village to report on anecdote of old mountain hag. They get suspicious as every villager appears to be trying to hide something. They get the answer as a local bonze tells an age-old story.
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Review:
After She-Bear, this movie again affirmed my belief that an important factor of a horror heroine (or female victim?) is to have absolutely no knack for fleeing. But that’s besides the point. Yamamba opens with a very safe-feeling introduction to the leads, a newly married photographer and his partner, an enthusiastic rookie reporter, driving towards the mountain home of the legendary deity or devil, Yamamba. The pair is actually very endearing even in their short introduction which makes the horrific progression of this movie all the more terrible: you get to know them just well enough to like them a lot and then…
-Latoya



Nurarihyon: A boy happens to see a specter known as "Nurarihyon" sneaking into his house to cause mischief. The boy tries to be good to the specter, but only gets the cold shoulder. But, at one night, when he is almost attacked by burglars, he learns good intentions are to pay off.
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Review:
First off, this is not horror. It is however one of the most endearing/funny/other adjectives to convey greatness movies I’ve seen! What made this stunning was the characters, whose vibrant personalities really hold your interest.The friendship between Shinnosuke and Nurarihyon is so sweet that you forget that a ghost is something that might even be considered terrifying. The little boy is also the most adorable thing in the world. As for Oishi, her bubbly, bumbling character made me laugh every time she appeared on the screen. Though a little bit out of place with the horror genres, it’s definitely a work you’ll enjoy—and it will give those of you who are easily spooked a moment to catch your breath.
-Latoya



Heartbroken Trip: After Chiharu's boyfriend walks out on her, the kind-hearted Yoshiko plans to cheer her up on a trip to a hot springs resort. Arriving at the inn ahead of Yoshiko, Chiharu couldn't possibly know what awaits.
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Review:
Though a ghost story, this one is less a scary movie than plain and simple entertainment. Also, it has a nice narrative on friendship bonds and the idea of those you can rely on verses those who will abandon you (ie, Chiharu’s charming text-message-break-up boyfriend!). A cute story with enough ghost presence to give you the mandatory chill.
-Latoya


Lost Souls
: A couple is enjoying late night snacks at a lake-side restaurant after a day's drive. Things are just fine until a family of four comes inside. The cook tells the couple never to look at the family because...
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Review: Horror lovers rejoice! The last of the anthology definitely brings back the scary with full force. This movie really stood out to me because of its very unique score--a very contemporary blend of jazz and hiphop opens. The story all unfolds in a very isolated area though car travel is a major element. As a ghost story, it is also convincingly orchestrated.


Here for a brief moment I will mention the odd narrator who opens each of these short movies. Truly, his presence within these films makes me think of such other narrated collections as the Twilight Zone. His words in this movie though are particularly cutting since it is the sort of thing most people do. So I will say DO NOT GO WATCH THIS LINK I AM PUTTING HERE FOR YOU, and patiently watch as instinct drives you to defy me *grin*. temptation

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