Onibaba (1964)

[Baxter]

Last night I finally got around to watching ONIBABA on Netflix. My head is still kind of trying to sort out what to say about it, so forgive me if nothing I say makes much sense.

A brief description of the movie I think is in order first though. Taken from IMDB: "As a feudal war rages in 14th-century Japan, those left behind are struggling to survive. The wife and the mother of a soldier make their meager living by preying upon hapless samurai who come their way, killing them and selling their armor for food. When a friend of the soldier returns to the woman's hut, they learn the fate of their soldier, and are forced to deal with this survivor. Tensions build as the young widow gives in to her loneliness, and the older woman fears abandonment, feels jealousy, and plots revenge."

First of all, I thought the movie was fantastic on just about all accounts. I really noticed the excellent cinematography, especially the slow motion segments. One case of that would be the constant image of the grass (well, whatever is growing in that field anyway) swaying slowly. On that note I also appreciated the repetition, which while slightly annoying while watching, I now see greatly added to the atmosphere and the power of the ending.

I thought the story was very interesting both in the typical fashion and symbolically. There are several ways you can go about looking at the meaning of the story, which makes it something to think about long after you are done watching it. I've heard that it is a 'Marxist feminist film' and a 'post-war drama' among other things, both of which I can easily see.

It is interesting that it is called a horror movie, as outside of the last 10 or so minutes, it functions more as a kind of art-housy drama. A great tale of lust and jealously that for whatever reason reminds me of the movie "SPRING, SUMMER, Fall, WINTER...AND SPRING". It's those last 10 minutes though that do it for me. Easily one of the most horrifying things I've seen in movies. Horrifying may not be the right word, but in any case, it blew me away. And to end it on such an open note is a work of genius; I'm still working out what could have happened after the movie is over in my head.

Now I do have one question about this movie, so those of you who haven seen the movie may be able to help me here: I am confused as to Hachi's death. The man at Ushi's little home had some sort of disease or something, and stabbed him. Any ideas as to why?

Anyway, great movie, highly recommended. Next on my list is KWAIDAN, which in many ways I am looking forward to watching more than ONIBABA.

[Alex DeLarge]

Good post! This and KWAIDAN are two films that I've always wanted to see but have yet to make it to my queue...you've inspired me to watch them soon:)

Glad to see you like Kim Ki-duk who is one of my favorite directors.

[Baxter]

Thanks. Onibaba has sparked my interest in Japanese myths and such, which is the reason why I'm so excited to see Kwaidan. Having read some of the stories that are told in it, I already know it's going to be great.

As for Kim Ki-duk, "Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter..And Spring" is the only one of his I've watched, though I have been intending to see 3-Iron pretty soon. Love his style.

[Phillip]

shinoda also directed double suicide...if you haven't seen it, i would say put it high in your queue...very high.

hey baxter,
i'm going to put on onibaba and get back to you on your question about hachi's death, i don't remember the specifics of the scene you're talking about. i'll get back to you on that.

[Tom]

KWAIDAN man. Wow. Very worth seeing!

[Baxter]

I'll take that recommendation Philip, DOUBLE SUICIDE is going up near the top of my list.

And I should be getting KWAIDAN in the mail today or tomorrow. I'm pretty flippin' pumped.

[Phillip]

it's very different than onibaba in terms of style. onibaba is in black and white and the characters act in a raw natural style, while kwaidan is shot in rich colors and the acting style comes more out of traditional japanese theater: super refined and minimal movements and gestures. both are outstanding films.

double suicide is shot in black and white and blends various tradtitions with an unusual approach...the main characters are actors in a noh theater production, and the line between rehearsal and real life get blurred.