Diary entries forKuroneko
Kuroneko
Out of all the films I’ve seen this Hooptober I feel this one is the most disappointing. As someone who really enjoyed Onibaba, I thought this would be just as interesting, but sadly I didn’t really feel much of anything for this. It’s incredibly slow paced, which can work, but this doesn’t really reward the viewer with anything worth while. It feels several hours long. The story is actually rather interesting though, with a unique premise and ideas. However, the film doesn’t really do much with what it has, and, in my opinion, plays the whole thing to safe. The best thing about this is the cinematography, some of the shots are simply beautiful. I really wish I enjoyed this more than I did, maybe one day I’ll give it a revisit.
Kuroneko
Asian March Challenge '25 (15/31): Japan 🇯🇵.
Kuroneko
I can't say I've seen something quite like Kuroneko. This film was beautiful. While the subject isn't beautiful itself, the technique was gorgeous. The lighting was immaculate, the effects were superb, the cinematography was heavenly, making this the ultimate eye candy. My first venture into traditional Japanese cinema was amazing, setting a precedent that may be hard to follow. Nonetheless, I am excited to begin watching more Japanese cinema, with Kuroneko being an amazing start.
Kuroneko
One of the most perfectly haunting ghost stories out there; a tale of vengeance and sorrow set in Japan's Sengoku period concerning a young samurai back from war as he learns his mother and wife are missing, whilst also following his General's order of putting an end to a mysterious monster that's been slaughtering samurai in the area. Kuroneko is nothing short of mesmerizing; the immense horde of fog and darkly lit nights — comparable to Kaneto Shindo's other important horror Onibaba — each shot swallows you whole and really encapsulates the true meaning of an atmospheric horror film. There are images that will creep you out, and even noises that seep a lot of discomfort, whether it be the meow from a cat or a soft spoken "give it back to me" that's out of sight. But most importantly, Kuroneko is a faintly beautiful story of love, loss, and war, that just so happens to be in the midst of black cats, ghosts, and samurai.
