MovieChat Forums > Jigoku (1960) Discussion > significance of 9PM in Jigoku ?

significance of 9PM in Jigoku ?

posted 17 years ago by LtdTimeAuthor
4 replies | jump to latest

Does anyone know the significance of most of the deaths occuring at 9PM in Jigoku ? Is that the Japanese equivalent of the "witching hour" or is 9 an unlucky number or ? ?

Does anyone have a recommendation for other films by Nakagawa ?

[–] newschoolstereosound 17 years ago

hi radic14all. I think i can help. 9 in japanese is the same word as "suffering." My opinion is that it's just another one of the many symbolic examples in the movie. In fact, the Japanese change their pronunciation of 9 in most conversation to avoid saying "suffering." It is the same with the number 4, which also means "death." yeah?

[–] duanne-oliveira 11 years ago

Hey, newschool, could you tell me more about these other symbolic examples?

[–] hexedd 11 years ago

Yes, I'd like to hear some too. I know a bit about Japanese culture but I know that films from this period are often full of symbolism from Shinto/Buddhism etc.

[–] Ariane67 10 years ago

Newschool, thank you so much for these precious informations ! I also wondered the hidden significance of 9 in this amazing movie and you just offered me more than an answer but above all a truly fascinating fact about numbers and symbols in Japan. Since I adore to learn things, I'm really grateful to you !

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