SHADOW OF THE WRAITH (2001)

Shadow of the Wraith gives the stories of two brothrts, Ryoji and Kazuhiko, who are embroiled in paranormal mysteries. At first, Ryoji thinks that the obsessive Asaji is just a little over the top in her pursuit of him. Professing her love, she begins to stalk Ryoji, as well as his girlfriend Mariko; they feel her presence wherever they turn. When people close to Ryoji begin to die mysteriously, he has reason to suspect Asaji, but he has nowhere to turn for help or escape. Ryoji's brother, meanwhile, has become involved with a young girl, Naoko, whose new condominium has a history of horrible accidents. As Naoko begins to experience ever-stranger phenomena, she must come to terms with what lurks in the closet.

Title: Shadow of the Wraith
Alternate Title: Ikisudama
Dir: Toshiharu Ikeda

© 2001 Kadokawa Pictures, Inc. and Toei Video Co., Ltd

 

Review
One of the most striking aspects of this anthology-type movie, I think, is its score. With Koji & Yuichi Matsuo of the J-Pop group “Doggy Bag” as the leading roles, its certainly no surprise that the movie is filled to an almost questionable degree with pop-beats. As far as the plot goes, the story is captivating and honestly chilling, but the switch between part A (Ryoji’s troubles with the telekinetic psycho who has fallen in love with him) to part B (Kazuhiko and his new girlfriend’s combat with a malicious haunt) is so rapid that it leaves the viewer feeling a little bit deprived. Overall, this was nightmare worthy and a definite watch for the horror savvy —though the cliff hangers are straight vertical plummets.
-Latoya

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