Haunting Visions of Obsession and Madness

Read Time:5 Minute, 12 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Rampo Noir [Limited Edition]
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Genre: Fantasy, Horror
Year Released: 2005, 2025 Arrow Video Blu-ray
Runtime: 2h 14m
Director(s): Akio Jissôji (story "Kagami jigoku,") Atsushi Kaneko (story "Mushi,") Hisayasu Satô (story "Imomushi,") Suguru Takeuchi (story "Kasei no unga")
Writer(s): Rampo Edogawa (short stories,) Atsushi Kaneko (screenplay for "Mushi,") Akio Satsukawa (screenplay for "Kagami jigoku,") Suguru Takeuchi (screenplay for "Kasei no unga,") Shirô Yumeno (screenplay "Imomushi")
Cast: Tadanobu Asano, Yûko Daike, Ryûhei Matsuda, Tomoya Nakamura, Tarô Suwa, Chisako Hara, Masami Horiuchi, Mikako Ichikawa, Hanae Kan, Kaiji Moriyama, Hiroki Narimiya, Tamaki Ogawa, Yukiko Okamoto, Hiromasa Taguchi, Minori Terada, Susumu Terajima, Yumi Yoshiyuki, Nao Ômori
Where To Watch: available January 7, 2025; pre-order your copy here www.arrowvideo.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Venturing into the shadows of avant-garde cinema, RAMPO NOIR carves a niche as a quintessential example of horror and psychological depth. This anthology plunges into the abyss of the human psyche, presenting four distinct narratives that unravel the chilling tales of Edogawa Rampo. The film crafts a mosaic filled with intrigue and existential terror.

The journey through this dark collection begins with Suguru Takeuchi’s MARS' CANAL, directed by Suguru Takeuchi. This segment abandons spoken dialogue and traditional storytelling, opting for a powerful visual and auditory experience that traces a man’s passage through a surreal landscape. This opening act sets a contemplative mood for the anthology, challenging viewers to immerse themselves in its minimalist and haunting aesthetic.

The tale takes a structured turn with Akio Jissoji's MIRROR HELL, where Asano transforms into a detective unlike you’ve seen before. This story delves into mysterious deaths linked to an arcane mirror maker, employing a journey of reflections that enhance the segment's ghostly allure. Mirrors amplify the experience and deepen the exploration of themes like vanity and the human obsession with the superficial.

Shifting gears to a more visceral narrative, Hisayasu Sato’s CATERPILLAR presents a harrowing exploration of domination and despair. It focuses on a war veteran transformed into a “captive” of his wife, with stark imagery that probes the dynamics of power and subjugation. The raw emotional and physical turmoil in this part of the anthology leaves a lasting impression, marking it as one of the collection's most provocative and unsettling entries.

The anthology concludes with Atsushi Kaneko’s CRAWLING BUGS, a segment that blends dark humor with surreal storytelling. In this segment, Asano embodies a chauffeur whose obsession with a stage actress spirals into a darkly comedic nightmare. This segment's lavish and theatrical style contrasts sharply with the others, injecting a bizarre yet captivating energy that rounds out the anthology on a memorable note.

RAMPO NOIR is a multifaceted examination of the darker aspects of human nature, blending ethereal narratives with visual storytelling. Each director’s unique vision pays homage to Rampo's literary style and pushes the boundaries of traditional film genres.

Although RAMPO NOIR might push the expectations of conventional cinematic tastes with its complex themes and structure, these elements solidify it as a landmark horror and art-house film. The film dares to disturb, challenging its audience to embrace its unconventional approach and deep thematic content.

For devotees of Edogawa Rampo's work and enthusiasts of unique cinema, RAMPO NOIR offers a compelling gateway into the intricacies of the author's dark visions. The anthology is a tribute to his influence on Japanese horror literature and a standalone experience that encourages new audiences to explore his enduring legacy. With its commitment to narrative experimentation and artistic boldness, RAMPO NOIR is a unique and unforgettable addition to the horror genre, inviting those who dare to explore its depths to experience a genuinely unsettling and thought-provoking cinematic journey.

Bonus Materials:
High Definition Blu-ray™ (1080p) presentation
Original lossless Japanese stereo audio
Optional newly translated English subtitles
Brand new audio commentary by Japanese film experts Jasper Sharp and Alexander Zahlten
Another World, a new interview with Suguru Takeuchi, director of “Mars’s Canal.”
A Moving Transformation, a new interview with Hisayasu Sato, director of “Caterpillar.”
Butterfly Queen, a new interview with Atsushi Kaneko, manga artist and director of “Crawling Bugs.”
Hall of Mirrors is a new interview with cinematographer Masao Nakabori about working with Akio Jissoji and “Mirror Hell.”
The Butterfly Effect is a new interview with Akiko Ashizawa, the cinematographer of “Caterpillar.”
Looking in the Mirror is a new interview with actor Yumi Yoshiyuki about “Mirror Hell.”
Archive stage greeting footage with the cast and directors from the Japanese premiere of Rampo Noir.
Crossing the Lens, a feature-length making-of documentary by Tatsuya Fukushima from 2006
Image Gallery
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Luke Insect
Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Eugene Thacker and Seth Jacobowitz

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[photo courtesy of ARROW VIDEO, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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