Rent Onibaba (1964)

Japanese classic - Onibaba review by CP Customer

Onibaba is a stunning piece of cinema, my favourite Japanese film and I've certainly seen a few over the years. It is a simple film, with a small cast and setting that allows the storyline to prosper. A mother and daughter exist by attracting samurai warriors and killing them for their own needs. Living amongst a landscape of tall grass, only they seem to know their way around. Warriors weakened by combat cannot help but fall under their spell and once their guard is lowered, their end is only a matter of time. Things all change when a warrior with a distinctive mask falls into their clutches. This black and white film is full of powerful imagery and atmospheric traditional music. Despite being filmed in 1964 it surprises with the imaginative use of camera angles and rapid editing. The vivid world Shindo-san creates, will remain with you long after the film has finished.

Pleasant and unnerving at the same time - Onibaba review by CP Customer

Reminded me a bit of Knife In The Water as it shows slightly sinister human behaviour surrounded by very pleasant scenery.

The story itself felt like it had it's roots in some ancient tale, where instinct gets the better of people.

A twisted morality tale - Onibaba review by HW

There’s so many elements to this film it’s hard to categorise and explain. It starts off being about two women who murder samurai warriors for their armour and then becomes a story of sexual tension and jealousy when the return of a male neighbour comes between them. Then horror imagery comes into play when a scary demon mask turns up. What unifies all the different elements of this historical horror-drama is the menacing, brooding atmosphere that builds throughout, helped by the black-and-white shots of wind-tossed, engulfing grass and the moody tension between characters. A grim depiction of human behaviour that’s still worth watching for the remarkable imagery and original plot.