Month: December 2020
To me, Justin Russell is quite the underrated horror filmmaker, whose love for the genre shows in his work, such as the ’80s slasher homage, “The Sleeper” (2012). I wanted to talk about his project before that one that harkens back to the classic proto-slasher directed by Tobe Hooper. WHAT IS IT? Directed by Justin
Confessions (Kokuhaku in Japan) is a 2010 revenge thriller based on Kanae Minato’s critically acclaimed debut novel. From director Tetsuya Nakashima who also produced the visually bubbly ‘Kamikaze Girls‘ and highly introspective ‘Memories of Matsuko‘, his signatures as an auteur filmmaker are throughout – hyperreal filters, ethereal music and illuminating colours all providing an overwhelming
“People don’t really connect, you know.” A sentiment that is often shared among film fans about some of the most eminent artists in the industry is that they were and/or are “ahead of their time”. One name that comes to mind for many of us is Kiyoshi Kurosawa, who although has produced works of various
Despite the belief that this humble viewer may have been drawn in by such a provocative title, Porno, (also cringingly known as Fangoria’s Porno) premise was enough to pique my interest. On the promise of seeing horror in a theater (remember those?), Satanism and hints of homage to exploitation films of the golden era, I decided
*Trigger Warning: Suicide. Self Harm. Overgrown Millennial Nerds.* Konnichiwa! Bonjour! Oi! Hey you! Yeah, you, Straight Outta Kanto! What d’ya think you’re doing still playing Pokémon!? You’re an adult! Pokémon is a children’s game! But… what if the only safe time to play Pokémon is as an adult? What, you think that’s an excuse to
Hanako-san, or Toire no Hanako-san (トイレのはなこさん, “Hanako of the Toilet”), is a Japanese spirit that reportedly haunts school bathrooms. Starting as a schoolyard legend, Hanako-San reportedly haunts bathrooms within schools, more specifically, the girls rooms, or bathrooms on the third floor of schools. To summon her is relatively easy. You must knock three times, on
Fear, to be afraid, is obviously a cornerstone of horror. Yet what exactly it is is specific and possible to explore. At its simplest fear is the anticipation. The “unpleasant emotion” that comes from being threatened, or from a potential threat to others. Fear is what builds up before something actually happens, or after an
We will be examining a classic Japanese film on 17th century samurai as both a faithful homage to their traditions while a deep critique to the virtues instilled – a refocus from all the horror as a cult classic. The film is Harakiri (1962) – named after ‘self-inflicted disembowelment‘ – from Masaki Kobayashi, who also
In several places around the world where this folklore has survived over the years, despite frequent attempts by the church to crush it, there is a tradition of the Krampuslauf. Literal translation “Krampus Run”, this is more commonly known as the Krampus Parade. People dress up as the goat demon (and possible pagan god) Krampus,
Christopher Landon is turning out to be a director I can depend on to deliver stylish and raunchy horror flicks, so I was so excited when “Freaky” first appeared with just a title and a synopsis on Letterboxd. Cut to a few months later, hype was building up for the film and I couldn’t wait