Marebito

Stylish Japanese Horror That Includes Everything But The Kitchen Sink
"Marebito" is, on the surface, a relatively straightforward example of the ever expanding world of Japanese horror. Straightforward, however, may not be the first thing that springs to mind for a casual viewer. While the story of "Marebito" seems rather simplistic with atmosphere and mood supplanting narrative momentum, its themes suggest a myriad of different influences and interpretations. The film, by Takashi Shimizu (Ju-on and The Grudge), is thematically an "everything but the kitchen sink" amalgamation of styles and dramatic allusions. The film references myths, the supernatural, vampirism, voyeurism, life after death, obsession, the nature of reality, and the descent into madness. By tackling, and co-mingling, so many different concepts, "Marebito" becomes an interesting and unique film that flirts structurally with being completely convoluted. There you have it, I've called this film simple and convoluted in the same paragraph. But that's the mixed message the film conveys...





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