Haunting houses and horror films are essential elements that define the chilling summer vibes in Japan. The concept of “cooling off” by indulging in thrilling narratives is guaranteed to keep you… chilled to the bone. While the history of Japanese horror dates back quite early, it truly reached its pinnacle in the late ’90s and early 2000s, highlighted by the phenomenal successes of two films: Ringu (The Ring) and Ju-on (The Grudge). If there is a common distinct feature between these two films, it would be the portrayal of female ghosts that send shivers down your spine. Moreover, J-Horror also cleverly creates haunting scenarios where the main characters often face the potential of total annihilation due to vengeful spirits.
However, horror movie fans need not worry, as there will be times when J-Horror makes a comeback, and you can still experience spine-chilling moments at any given time. For those eager to dip into the eerie world of Japanese horror films, here are four classic horror movies (excluding the previously mentioned two) that will help you “cool down” during the scorching summer:
Dark Water (Nakata Hideo, 2002)
For those unfamiliar with Japanese horror cinema, “Dark Water” (Honogurai Mizu no Soko Kara) is one of those profoundly engaging works. The film’s narrative can evoke relatable feelings while also showcasing the remarkable performances of Kuroki Hitomi and Kanno Rio as the mother and daughter duo. The climactic moments in the film are particularly haunting, with the scene in the elevator being one of the most chilling highlights of J-Horror.
House (Obayashi Nobuhiko, 1977)
“House” is a quintessentially unique horror film from Japan, filled with numerous surreal elements that are hard to articulate. Viewers will be bombarded with an array of vibrant animated visuals, floating heads, a touch of nudity, and many bizarre scenes that may leave you bewildered, struggling to comprehend what is happening on screen.
Kuroneko (Shindo Kaneto, 1968)
Long before Sadako made her iconic appearance on TV screens in “Ringu,” Japan captivated audiences with a series of dark-themed films, including “Kuroneko.” This film, along with “Onibaba” and “Ugetsu Monogatari,” showcases a more traditional storytelling approach to the horror genre. “Kuroneko” is chiefly shot at night, with soft lighting that enhances the eeriness, making the female spirits appear more haunting and ethereal. This is an excellent choice if you prefer to be enveloped in a serene yet spooky cinematic experience.
Cure (Kurosawa Kiyoshi, 1997)
Director Kurosawa Kiyoshi is known for creating chilling films that leave viewers in a state of unease, and “Cure” can be regarded as one of his most outstanding works. His films often lack clear resolution or straightforward answers, yet the journey through various psychological states is nothing short of a haunting experience, keeping audiences gripping tightly until the very end. In “Cure,” viewers are confronted with the unsettling question of whether we can distinguish ourselves from “monsters,” or if we are merely puppets to our primal instincts that lead to violent outcomes.
Source: Allabout-Japan
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