MovieChat Forums > Chakushin ari (2004) Discussion > VIEW THIS FILM THROUGH A NEW LENSE

VIEW THIS FILM THROUGH A NEW LENSE


I don't write stuff like this often, but I felt compelled to write this, because I think this film is under appreciated due to it's categorization as just another J-horror movie with nothing new to bring to the table.
I think most viewers completely missed the social commentaries in this film about traditional japanese culture vs. the rise of technology and westernization. Maybe I am over analytical, but I thought this film was about a lot more than just horror.
I point to the scene when Natsumi is on the television program specifically. The filmography and cuts here are amazing, and I also loved the contrast of the exploitation of the event, with the detective, the priest, and those who really do see this as supernatural and as a reflection of traditional japanese folklore and ghost stories.
I love horror, and J-horror, but with the exception of the traditional Japanese portrayal of a ghost, I didn't really think of this as J-horror. I think it's more a social commentary, under the mask of a horror film, on the contradicting feelings of "gut" reactions and belief in traditional folk tales vs. the modern era, the ideas of logic and reason over superstition, and westernization. For instance, when talking to the nurse about "Munchausen by Proxy," I love the contrast of this "logical" "psychological modern approach vs. the scenes of the true abuse, and with traditional legends.
Like I said, I might be over analyzing the film, but I honestly don't think I am, because Takeshi Miike is NOT A TYPICAL J-HORROR DIRECTOR. This is obviously more related to J-horror than his other films, due to the use of superstition and the traditional long haired, pale ghost, but that is culturally significant. I might be pretty repetitive too, and sorry, but I could name many other scenes that reflect what I interpreted. If you can view this film with these ideas in mind, and with a basic understanding of Japanese history and culture, it's a different experience

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definitely how i interpreted when i first saw it, and i'm amazed that since then every review i've read has overlooked this. i suspect this may have to do with western audiences being less familiar with japanese cinema and its subtlety, and thus missing the satire.

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