We’re back with another Koji Shiraishi review, and we will be continuing our deep dive into his underrated film series, the Senritsu Kaika Files! And if you think you have seen it all from the past three installments of this series, think again. Because what lies ahead is a cinematic experience that will blindside you from a mile away. This is probably the most unique among the films, as far as our coverage goes. It steers the story in a very unpredictable and, dare we say, bizarre course.
In Senritsu Kaiki File Kowasugi! File 04: The Truth! Hanako-san in the toilet, we reunite with our beloved gang as they plunge headfirst into yet another spine-chilling encounter with the supernatural and local folklore. A recently surfaced video has sent shockwaves through the community, showcasing a mystifying entity emerging from a tightly sealed toilet. Whispers of “Hanako-san in the toilet” had long haunted the corridors of the now-deserted school, and our fearless interview team is determined to uncover the veracity of these eerie legends. You already know the drill! Our beloved documentary director Kudo Hitoshi, his assistant Miho Ichikawa, and the cameraman played by Koji, himself, infiltrate the abandoned school with a medium.
Naturally, Senritsu Kaiki File Kowasugi! File 04: The Truth! Hanako-san in the toilet retains the distinct stylistic elements that have become synonymous with the preceding three installments. These stylistic choices contribute to its captivating and often unsettling impact, lending an air of authenticity to the mock documentary format. The strategic flex of replays and camerawork has become a signature of the series and an integral part of its fabric. By maintaining these techniques, the fictional Japanese world and the faux documentary series attain a level of realism that sets them apart from the majority of found footage films.
Moreover, the film possesses its own captivating backstory interwoven with the mythology it explores. While the ghostly presence of Hanako may be underrated, primarily known through the manga and anime series Toilet-bound Hanako-kun, the film’s brief historical context breathes new life into the character, injecting a captivating layer of overlooked local history. However, what truly elevates the conspiracy is the revelation that Hanako’s ghost is but a mere puzzle piece in a larger otherworldly enigma encompassing the entire film series. Given the unconventional trajectory of the developing lore, one expects something far more than a conventional ghostly encounter. And, as always, Shiraishi delivers his personalized take on… wait for it… time travel!
The sheer brilliance of Koji Shiraishi shines through as he effortlessly weaves an unexpected twist into the narrative, a twist that defies all initial expectations yet miraculously finds its place. I mean, who would expect him to play with the concept of time and space in the most out-of-place setup, right? What further adds to this mesmerizing tapestry is his ingenious decision to present the story as found footage—a feat that would typically require a bottomless pit of resources to render time travel and dimension hopping believable rather than cheesy. And to witness this time-bending phenomenon unfold within just two distinct locations is nothing short of mind-boggling.
Shiraishi has undeniably established himself as a master of exploring otherworldly concepts, from extraterrestrials to the depths of hell. However, it is in his unique interpretation of time travel where his true genius shines, residing within the delicate balance of sensibility and urgency. The former, a hallmark of iconic time travel films, diligently proposes fragments of the narrative as intricate puzzle pieces waiting to be unraveled in the grand finale. As for the latter, it emanates from the foundation he laid early in his series. The team’s prior encounters with malevolent local spirits have ingrained that although everything seems ridiculous and unthinkable, a deep sense of urgency is extremely imperative as such events can actually escalate into extremely volatile encounters. We are emotionally invested in witnessing their growth, ensuring they avoid repeating past mistakes.
To everyone’s surprise, the film unleashes some of the most potent and impactful scares so far. While it effortlessly plays into the twisted realms of time and space, it also ably engages well-timed jumpscares that complement the frightful ghostly encounters. This unexpected approach could be seen as a calculated maneuver, as the franchise hadn’t previously relied heavily on such jolting moments. Witnessing the film thrive through the seamless integration of jumpscares, science fiction makings, and intricate worldbuilding is definitely satisfying, especially for those who had followed the journey of the eccentric documentary crew.
However, the true pièce de résistance lies in its ending. The culmination of the series’ previous chapters had left us intrigued, often questioning whether the protagonists’ tireless endeavors were ultimately in vain. Or to make it simple: does it really make sense? Yet this installment delivers a conclusion that is not only viciously sinister and bone-chilling but also remarkably coherent within the lore pursued by the film. It stands as a testament to Shiraishi’s keen awareness of the crew’s evolving maturity in their investigative and supernatural hunting pursuits. So, let this serve as a fair warning: To truly appreciate the significance of this exceptional ending, you must commit undivided attention to the entirety of the film.
Shiraishi’s films are an absolute delight, deserving of wider mainstream glory. We just can’t wait to unravel the whole series, as the captivating lore continues to unfold, leaving us hungry for more.
On another intriguing note, Shiraishi ventured into the realm of television last year with a mini-series where he not only directed but also starred. He portrays a washed-up horror film director, accompanied by his assistant director, coincidentally named Miho Ichikawa, reminiscent of the beloved characters from the Senritsu series. Together, they embark on a film project set in a secluded house nestled deep within the wooded mountains. Although this series may not have garnered widespread acclaim just yet, here’s to hoping that Shiraishi finally receives the recognition he undeniably deserves.
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I am a 4th year Journalism student from the Polytechnic University of the Philipines and an aspiring Filmmaker. I fancy found footage, home invasions, and gore films. Randomly unearthing good films is my third favorite thing in life. The second and first are suspending disbelief and dozing off.