HDC Debates #5: Has Japanese horror run it's course?
 

The Asian horror phenomenon, which jumped into the popularity bandwagon in the late-90s and didn't relent until recent times, saw a lot of films from the Asian subcontinent, specially Japan, gain immense popularity and approval from audiences the world over.

But in recent times, both Asian horror and Japanese horror have taken a backseat. Not many mind-churners and spookfests are coming out from Asia, specially Japan. And those which are, aren't gaining much popularity.

Has J-Horror gone on the decline?

It seems to me that they're churning out the same old stuff, creepy girls with long hair.

There have been some solid Korean flicks in the last few years. Thirst (Bakjwi) was absolute quality and probably not been seen/ appreciated by enough people. The Host, although a few years ago was great and so was Mother. Park Chan Wook went on to direct Stoker last year, which was pretty solid, so still plenty of good flicks out there. But I'd agree that the whole 'creepy girl' genre is played out now.

Going to see if Netflix has "Thirst" and "Mother".

Yes, it would seem that has played out.

A couple years ago or so, I saw quite a few 90-2000 Asian horror films, and a majority seemed a lot alike -- the ghostly figure haunting, and/or in revenge mode, creepy and jumpy-scenes. Most of the stories were shallow. And that's traditional main stream horror in a bucket. Need to see more local flavor and originality, not something more digestible to "Western" familiarity.

huge fan of creepy girls with long hair...they should keep making them more & more every year::big grin::

I haven't seen a Japanese horror movie in a while so I can't say. But they were popular back in the day. And since there aren't a ton being remade I guess Hollywood hasn't seen a good one to rip off.

Loved Mother and The Host. Definitely think its declining. It used to be the big thing in horror but not so much anymore. It ran its course. Horror popularity is temporary. Its one thing for awhile and then it moves on.

Horror has left the building.


::wink::

I am also tired of the "Grudge"-like scare tactics. There's a slump right now, for sure, Asian horror has become a known entity to us..we are a little jaded. But surely the industry will rise to the challenge. I'm waiting.

So, no to a decline and yes, to just a slump.