Movie spotlight
Grudge: Blood-sucking higanbana calls the spirits of the dead
Kayo (Kimie Shingyoji), who married Jingoro (Jun Eto) of the small-time goods dealer Kagamishimaya, is unable to even hug each other seven days after the wedding. Kayo (Kimie Shingyoji), who married Jingoro (Jun Eto), a merchant in a small house in Kagamiya, is unable to even hug Kayo even seven days after the wedding ceremony. One day, Jingoro suddenly dies, but a monk (Ichiro Arishima) appears to the grieving family and tells them that his soul has simply slipped away, and the next morning Jingoro wakes up as if nothing had happened. A few days later, Kayo follows the spirit that escaped from Jingoro again and arrives at the grave of Araji, where she sees Jingoro meeting with the spirit of a young girl. In fact, three years earlier, Jingoro had been torn apart by the daughter (Keiko Suzuka) of Miuraya, a kimono wholesaler, and they had tied each other's fingers together with string, slit their wrists, and thrown themselves off a boat.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman named Setsuko is haunted by the spirit of her deceased sister, who died under mysterious circumstances. As she delves deeper into her sister's past, she uncovers a dark family secret involving a vengeful spirit and a curse that has plagued her family for generations. The spirit seeks retribution and begins to unleash terrifying supernatural events upon those connected to her death.
Critical Reception
Released as part of the 'Toei Video's V-Cinema' line, this horror film received moderate attention for its blend of supernatural horror and giallo-esque mystery elements. While not a mainstream critical darling, it gained a cult following among horror enthusiasts for its atmospheric tension and graphic imagery, typical of 1980s Japanese horror.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its unsettling atmosphere and effective jump scares.
Noted for its unique blend of Japanese ghost lore and Western horror tropes.
Some critics found the plot occasionally convoluted but appreciated the visual style.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this niche horror film. Those who have seen it often highlight its effectiveness as a creepy, low-budget scare-fest from the early 80s, particularly appreciating its commitment to a dark and mysterious narrative.
Awards & Accolades
None notable.
Fun Fact
The film's title, 'Higanbana', refers to the red spider lily, a flower often associated with death and funerals in Japanese culture, adding to the film's ominous themes.
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