Cursed Songs: Chi-Manako
Misaki is a popular bar hostess whose policy is to 'live on presents'. She is haughty and wants nothing but the most expensive and exclusive. One night, she finds a rabbit and takes it home, setting off the story of an unimaginable tragedy. It is an 'animal panic horror' film with a new edge presenting an allegory of the worst in the modern materialistic world. This is the first full-length feature film for Yuichi Kanemaru, who has worked as assistant director to Kaneto Shindo, Yasuo Furuhata and Takashi Miike. And Tomoko Tabata's dynamic performance in her first horror movie is a definite highlight.
Insights
Plot Summary
A group of high school students discover an old, cursed song on the internet that, when listened to, brings misfortune and eventually death to its listeners. As more students fall victim to the song's deadly influence, they must race against time to uncover the song's origins and break its curse before it consumes them all.
Critical Reception
Cursed Songs: Chi-Manako received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its suspenseful atmosphere and effective jump scares, while others criticized its predictable plot and underdeveloped characters. Audiences generally found it to be a decent entry into the J-horror genre, particularly for fans of supernatural thrillers.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its effective use of suspense and creepy sound design.
- Criticized for a derivative plot that relies heavily on J-horror tropes.
- The film delivers some genuine scares, but its narrative falters in the latter half.
Google audience: Audience reception on Google is not readily available, but general discussions suggest it's viewed as a standard, somewhat forgettable horror film with a few good moments.
Fun Fact
The film is based on a popular urban legend in Japan about a cursed song that causes death.
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