Review of Kwaidan (1965) by Ws W — 15 Dec 2015
Kwaidan is an anthology film that adapts four ghost stories found in traditional Japanese folklore. One of the most expensive films produced by a Japanese studio at the time, it boasts beautifully painted sets, carefully-crafted costumes, and some of the most punctilious cinematography in the history of the moving image.
Its length, avid use of silence, and thoughtful pacing demands patience from its viewer, but the slow burn of Kwaidan holds many rewards. This movie stands alone in the distinguished catalog of director Masaki Kobayashi because of its eerily unique atmosphere, but equally stirring are the restrained performances of its actors, the even-handed use of visual symbolism, and the care in which it transfers ancient folklore to a new medium.
This review of Kwaidan (1965) was written by Ws W on 15 Dec 2015.
Kwaidan has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
