A very dark portrait of the human spirit but, from what I've read of that period in Japanese history, an accurate one.
The three characters are cold-blooded murderers but in their defense it must be said that they are killing in order to survive: they steal from their victims (soldiers) and trade the spoils for needed grain.
It is the repetitiveness and oppressiveness of the film that lowers it. Are people really like this? Even in the worst of times, it is recorded that people still smile, joke, and attempt to lighten their burdens.
I could understand the dark tone if it had been made immediately after WW2 but, surprisingly, this savage film was made in 1964.
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
Topic - "Onibaba:" for hardcore Kurosawa fans, only. - tinear 16:09:30 01/30/06 (5)
- Kaneto Shindo made Onibaba, not Kurosawa. - Donald 23:30:00 01/30/06 (3)
- You're right. "Tinear, doing his best to continue on in the fine - tinear 05:34:42 01/31/06 (2)
- Just view Lost in Translation ten times, followed by the Groundhog Day. - Victor Khomenko 07:26:20 01/31/06 (1)
- Thank God you didn't include - tinear 07:27:31 01/31/06 (0)
- Re: "Onibaba:" for hardcore Kurosawa fans, only. - Pam 21:20:13 01/30/06 (0)