Taking its title from an archaic Japanese word meaning "ghost story," this anthology adapts four folk tales. A penniless samurai marries for money with tragic results. A man stranded in a blizzard is saved by Yuki the Snow Maiden, but his rescue comes at a cost. Blind musician Hoichi is forced to perform for an audience of ghosts. An author relates the story of a samurai who sees another warrior's reflection in his teacup.
I’m sure this messed some people up upon its release! A bit tame nowadays but still masterful! Its impact on cinema is undeniable! Showing Japanese folklore to the west is a daunting task but they pulled it off! Don’t look at its price tag tho! Japan has incredibly peculiar and exciting choices for investing in art!
Incredible set design, lighting, art direction, photography, costuming, makeup, practical effects - the whole shebang! And the negative silence in the score!! The overall tone reminds me of the darker Carpenter films! But just the direction in general was so massive and exquisite and ahead of its time!!
The writing is basic but it gets a pass bc you know it was Japan in the 60’s. They were like “the world needs to listen to women and also maybe not be so quick to act!
First one (and second ?) had big Ju-On / Ringu vibes. Great stories
Third one was incredibly slow and methodical. Not for nighttime viewing; you will fall asleep every time. Also is just nobody gonna acknowledge the flaming orbs!? Respect the artistry but I just….kept waiting for something to happen for the longest time lol
Fourth one the main thing I have to say is apparently that is the actual sound mixing / editing for this portion of the film and you are not having technical issues and/or a stroke
Added to The Non-English Niche
A bold film in terms of presentation. It flaunts its absolute attention to detail and lavish set design like a painter showcasing his masterpiece, almost to its detriment at many points. Slow narrative pacing and an overabundance of long shots drive a consistent feeling of sluggishness that, I feel, puts strain on the overall work
Reviews
Kwaidan
cultfilmliker reviewed
Kwaidan
December 3, 2025I’m sure this messed some people up upon its release! A bit tame nowadays but still masterful! Its impact on cinema is undeniable! Showing Japanese folklore to the west is a daunting task but they pulled it off! Don’t look at its price tag tho! Japan has incredibly peculiar and exciting choices for investing in art!
Incredible set design, lighting, art direction, photography, costuming, makeup, practical effects - the whole shebang! And the negative silence in the score!! The overall tone reminds me of the darker Carpenter films! But just the direction in general was so massive and exquisite and ahead of its time!!
The writing is basic but it gets a pass bc you know it was Japan in the 60’s. They were like “the world needs to listen to women and also maybe not be so quick to act!
First one (and second ?) had big Ju-On / Ringu vibes. Great stories
Third one was incredibly slow and methodical. Not for nighttime viewing; you will fall asleep every time. Also is just nobody gonna acknowledge the flaming orbs!? Respect the artistry but I just….kept waiting for something to happen for the longest time lol
Fourth one the main thing I have to say is apparently that is the actual sound mixing / editing for this portion of the film and you are not having technical issues and/or a stroke
Added to The Non-English Niche
AngusMcNutz reviewed
Kwaidan
March 13, 2025A bold film in terms of presentation. It flaunts its absolute attention to detail and lavish set design like a painter showcasing his masterpiece, almost to its detriment at many points. Slow narrative pacing and an overabundance of long shots drive a consistent feeling of sluggishness that, I feel, puts strain on the overall work
