One Cut of the Dead
One Cut of the Dead

One Cut of the Dead

2017Movie96 minJapanese

Real zombies arrive and terrorize the crew of a zombie film being shot in an abandoned warehouse, said to be the site of military experiments on humans.

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Insights

IMDb7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes97%
Metacritic76/100
Google Users94%
Director: Shin'ichirō UedaGenres: Comedy, Horror, Mystery

Plot Summary

A low-budget, zombie film shoot descends into chaos when real zombies appear on set, forcing the cast and crew to fight for their lives in a surprisingly meta and entertaining narrative. The film cleverly unfolds in three distinct acts, revealing the chaotic production behind the seemingly amateurish zombie flick.

Critical Reception

One Cut of the Dead was a surprise international hit, earning widespread acclaim for its inventive concept, unique structure, and heartfelt humor. Initially a modest Japanese release, its reputation grew through word-of-mouth and festival screenings, captivating audiences and critics alike with its blend of low-budget charm and high-concept execution.

What Reviewers Say

  • Ingenious meta-commentary on filmmaking.
  • Hilariously funny and surprisingly touching.
  • A masterclass in low-budget filmmaking with a high-concept payoff.

Google audience: Audience reviews consistently praise the film's originality, humor, and emotional depth, highlighting the clever narrative structure and the satisfying evolution from what appears to be a simple zombie movie to something much more profound.

Awards & Accolades

Multiple awards on the festival circuit, including Audience Award at Fantasia International Film Festival, Best Director and Best Actor at Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival, and various accolades from international genre film festivals.

Fun Fact

The film's distinctive, single-take opening 37-minute zombie sequence was achieved with a single camera and minimal crew, showcasing the filmmakers' resourcefulness and dedication.

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