Kuroneko aka Yabu no naka no kuroneko (1968)
Kwaidan aka Kaidan (1964)
"Absolutely beautiful in all aspects, this little gem of a ghostly anthology is more an art form than it is a collection of stories. There are no real scares, and some of the endings can be guessed at the outset . Like classical tragedies, these short stories are instead an expose of humanity. The chilling part is how the supernatural world is so naturally integrated into these short films, creating the creepy notion that ghosts are more natural than supernatural. With incredible direction and spectacularly colorful sets, they can be enjoyed as a purely visual treat as well. The acting of course was superb, and the cinematography splendid. Kobayashi has definitely gone to the threshold of storytelling here, and the result is nothing short of brilliant." -
Psycho_d
Lady Snowblood aka Shurayukihime (1973)
"Thank you Tarantino for using this flick as an inspiration for Kill Bill, for it pulled this flick out of obscurity and into the general market for the serious moviegoer. Lady Snowblood is a revenge flick that is on par with Lady Vengeance, though this comparison should end right there. Replete with gallons of airborne red paint for blood, this lady samurai flick is much more that just an exploitation flick.
Born ensconced in death, literally, our heroine's main purpose in life is to kill the perpetrators of a vile and personal crime. After some twenty years of arduous training, Lady S. goes out on her spree of vengeance. But this film is more than that. Lady S. shows a trace of humanity as she comes to question her purpose in life.
This one has it all: a brilliant score, wonderful acting, beautiful albeit sometimes shaky cinematography, a solid story, and wonderfully smooth direction. Let us not forget the geysers of blood. A tragic and vengeful must-see for any fan of Asian classics." -
Psycho_d
Mad Doctor of Blood Island (1968)
Marebito (2004)
"This intense, low budget movie from Takashi Shimizu of Ju-on fame may not be for everybody, but it is a must see for those willing to take a psychological journey beyond the fantastic realms of disturbing terror.
Actor/director Shinya Tsukamoto plays Masuoka, an alienated and voyeuristic freelance cameraman obsessed with what can only be thought of as "the dark terror". Emotionally dead, he begins to seek life in the darkest of places, maybe in an effort to discover truth in ineffable horror. We take this journey with Masuoka mainly through the lens of his digital camera and his dialogue, only to descend onto the abyss of his (or everybody's) madness.
Immensely symbolic with no boundaries of interpretation, this flick is like a cathartic purge of the dark genius of Shimizu, which may not be far from the truth as this complex tale was reportably shot in eight days. For those willing to risk a trip into unspeakable madness and imagery, this wonderful film may be the perfect meal-ticket." -
Psycho_d