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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By A-Train
Format:DVD
Although I had never seen the movie, I picked up the Criterion DVD for 'Onibaba' based on the plot alone. A widowed mother and daughter-in-law living in medieval Japan prey on wounded samurai wandering through the marshland. They strip the warriors of their weapons and armor and drop the bodies in a deep pit. They then sell the goods for food. Meanwhile, a former neighbor comes back from war only to upset relations between the women and himself.
'Onibaba' is based on a Bhuddist morality tale, but was also filmed as an allegory of post-war A-Bomb victims. Regardless, there is a lot at work here, but I wasn't nearly prepared for how incredibly erotic this movie was. Tall reeds that brush the bodies of those who run through them. And nothing is overtly symbolic than the rabidly [excited] neighbor screaming into the pit, "I want a Woman!"
But overall, 'Onibaba' is a high mark in Japanese filmmaking with striking, lush photography and a score filled with whips, cracks and human scats that mirror Morricone's Spaghetti Western scores. It is a slower paced film, but never boring if you let it envolop you like the tall reeds that swallow the characters of the movie.
Criterion is the master at restoring older prints like this and once again, do not disappoint. Aside from a few scratches in the beginning and a minor editing glitch in the middle, this does magnificent justice to the black-and-white photography and looks like a nearly new print. As with nearly every Criterion DVD you get a written essay on the insert. Extras include behind the scenes footage of the shoot, a still gallery, and a 20 minute interview with the director. Well worth the price.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
I've loved this film ever since I saw it on tv when I was a kid so it's great to own this spectacular Criterion edition. The transfer is stunning - it looks just amazing.
This is a truly hypnotic film with its gloriously haunting cinematography. If you're a fan of Japanese cinema this is quite simply a must have.
This is a truly hypnotic film with its gloriously haunting cinematography. If you're a fan of Japanese cinema this is quite simply a must have.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
DVD neuf arrivé dans des délais très courts. L'univers d'Otowa toujours aussi étrange et sensuel. Un incontournable pour le cinéma japonais d'après-guerre.
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4.6 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars
vacuous adoration -- the death trap of a bad movie
There is much to say of my surprise at the shimmering reviews this pathetic second rate Japanese movie has received here on Amazon. Read more
Published on May 7 2004 by Joe Fatmama
5.0 out of 5 stars
An exceptional horror story...
War and famine has worn out Medieval Japan which has brought a mother and her daughter-in-law to the edge of desperation as they have been forced to lead a life of lawlessness. Read more
Published on April 1 2004 by Kim Anehall
5.0 out of 5 stars
A DVD zone YOUR LIBRARY
I remember having seen Kaneto Shindô's ONIBABA in a little arty movies theater when I was about 15 years old. Read more
Published on Mar 19 2004 by Daniel S.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant Japanese tale of the supernatural
One of the greatest of all films of the supernatural, Onibaba, 1964, elicits shivers based on its perfect fusion of atmosphere, character, and setting. Read more
Published on Oct 22 2002 by LGwriter
5.0 out of 5 stars
A little known masterpiece
Ever since I saw this movie in the late 60's, Kaneto Shindo's economy of means to make such a great film was what most impressed me. Read more
Published on Feb 13 2002 by "floresdb"
5.0 out of 5 stars
historical value indeed!
i'm not a media/film critic. Rather, i love japanese history and culture. (i've had the pleasure of living there a few years. Read more
Published on Dec 14 2001 by Scott David Foutz
5.0 out of 5 stars
historical value indeed!
i'm not a media/film critic. Rather, i love japanese history and culture. (i've had the pleasure of living there a few years. Read more
Published on Dec 14 2001 by Scott David Foutz
5.0 out of 5 stars
"There are demons here too"
When I first saw the opening shot of the THE HOLE i felt that this would be some old B-Movie but i was amazed to discover what a beautiful peice of art it was. Read more
Published on Aug 22 2001 by Lance Pursey
5.0 out of 5 stars
Unusual and provocative
I generally expect, when I pop a Japanese horror movie into my VCR, to be treated to an hour and a half of staring at an iguana with severe halitosis and an overzealous pituitary... Read more
Published on Feb 21 2001
4.0 out of 5 stars
Samurai noir (with eroticism)
This is the darkest of Samurai tales about two women, one old and one young, who lure Samurai into a swamp to kill them and sell their belongings. Read more
Published on Dec 5 2000
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