The Goblin of Mt. Kurama
The Goblin of Mt. Kurama

Movie spotlight

The Goblin of Mt. Kurama

2001
Movie
93 min
Japanese

The year 1864: The Shinsengumi, the shogun’s armed force in Kyoto ripped the city apart, with blades in hand, searching for pockets of resistance, slaughtering the samurai who sought to bring down the shogunate and restore Japan’s emperor to power. By chance, Murao Mayumi and his sister Shiho, meet samurai Kurata. Murao, seeking his fortune with his sword-arm, will join Shinsengumi, never suspecting his friend Kurata is secretly Kurama Tengu, who hides his face in a black hood, and who will tear a bloody swath through Shinsengumi’s massed blades, to aid the samurai who had taken up the emperor’s cause. Will friend kill friend in a time of war?

Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Director: Takashi MiikeGenres: Horror, Fantasy, Comedy

Plot Summary

In this bizarre tale, a group of young men venture into the mysterious Mt. Kurama, only to encounter a series of increasingly strange and dangerous events. They are pursued by a mischievous goblin, face supernatural phenomena, and must confront their own fears and desires. The film blends elements of horror, comedy, and surrealism as the protagonists struggle to escape the mountain's clutches.

Critical Reception

Takashi Miike's 'The Goblin of Mt. Kurama' is a cult classic known for its unique blend of genres and unsettling, often darkly humorous, atmosphere. While not widely released or critically lauded in mainstream circles, it has garnered a dedicated following among fans of avant-garde and extreme cinema for its audacious style and unconventional storytelling.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its surreal and unpredictable nature.

  • Noted for its blend of gore, comedy, and mythological elements.

  • Divided opinions on its overall coherence and artistic merit.

Google audience: Audience reviews for 'The Goblin of Mt. Kurama' are scarce due to its niche appeal. Those who engage with it often highlight its bizarre and experimental approach, appreciating its departure from conventional filmmaking but also acknowledging its challenging and often disturbing content.

Fun Fact

The film is part of Takashi Miike's prolific output from the early 2000s, a period where he directed multiple films per year, often exploring extreme and unconventional themes.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review