MovieChat Forums > Sakebi (2007) Discussion > Why such a low rating?

Why such a low rating?

posted 17 years ago by doravale
28 replies | jump to latest

I was shocked to see this movie had such a low rating.

Or maybe I wasn't so shocked, after all. If, like many of the people who have posted their views here, you're looking for an American-style ghost story in which everything is explained and all the ends neatly tidied off, this isn't for you. If, for example, you preferred Hollywood's Pulse remake to Kurosawa's uniquely troubling original, you should definitely steer clear.

If, on the other hand, you're looking for something rich in atmosphere and metaphor, something that hits you in those parts where Hollywood films rarely reach, give this one a chance. Allow yourself to go with the flow and not demand easy explanations, and you'll be rewarded with one of the most haunting film experiences in years.

I never cease to be amazed at how Kurosawa manages to find new methods of introducing ghosts into the frame in ways that will give you the creeps. I'm a hardened horror fan who has seen it all (or nearly all) over the past half century, but several hours after watching this film I was still sufficiently spooked to want to sleep with the light on.

[–] tbs1 12 years ago

Because some people have decided to hate Asian ghost films and consider them bad before watching them.

[–] oldmankuo 10 years ago

reasons for low rating:

this is a japanese movie with japanese expectations for ghostly behavior.

this is not a "jump out of your seat every 60 seconds" type of horror movie

this movie requires the audience to sit back and watch, without second-guessing the plot or characters. (most serious movies expect this from the audience)

this is a movie that meditates on the consequences of violence, the motivations for violence, the spiritual implications of violence (murder) in a way that is deeper than a popcorn flick intends

this movie uses the tendency of the human mind to forget its own moral transgressions as a vehicle of possible sympathy for the main character

at the same time, this movie reveals (in a japanese/buddhist manner) the consequences of forgetful, violent behavior on the human psyche, especially when unintentionally inflicted on objects of one's own affection

this movie reveals an unusual sentiment regarding ghosts; namely that they are just as horrified as we are about their own deaths; this is also why ghosts are so scary to mortals

this movie requires more than the pedestrian amount of patience while viewing. but so do a lot of good horror movies; essentially, are you a horror fan or not? if so, you'll give this, and similar movies, a chance. if not, rent final destination and fire up a bag of popcorn and a joint. cheers!