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The Official HDC Asian Horror/Exploitation 100
Hello fans of Asian Horror at HDC and around the world,
Finally we have zeroed in on the Final 100 selection from the finest of Asian Horror and Exploitation cinema. This deliberation took longer than expected because of unforseen circumstances but in the end, yours truly and Despare sat down and finalised the Top 100 and 25 Honorable Mentions which merit their esteemed spots in this compilation. Big thanks go out to Despare for finalising the compilation with me, and to Roshiq, Papillon Noir and The Flayed One for their valuable inputs and advice during the initial phases of discussion of this Top 100. So, sit back with your teas and enjoy this list. And yes, please don't post anything till I am done. Thank you. |
2LDK (2003)
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg "The scenes in this flick are like a series of coke cans, the first few opened delicately, the rest opened after having been shaken up more and more, until the cans in the finale come straight out of a paint mixing machine. This claustrophobic flick is about two actresses/roommates that are vying for the same role in a movie. That these two women could not be more different only adds to the tension, and hilarity, of this short little black comedy. Beginning in contrived magnanimity, their civility degenerates into an all out war, ending in pure poetry." - Psycho_d 13: Game Of Death aka 13 Game Sayawng (2006) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg A Chinese Ghost Story aka Sien nui yau wan (1987) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg A Page Of Madness aka Kurutta ippêji (1926) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA280_.jpg "Based on a treatment by the 1968 Nobel Prize winning novelist Yasunari Kawabata, Teinosuke Kinugasa's self-financed landmark production A Page of Madness (Kurutta ippêji) is a legendary Japanese silent film made in 1926, and was re-released in 1973. Its reputation is widespread and it has been the subject of a number of academic essays, even an entire book. Kinugasa here sketches the story of a man who works as a janitor in a mental asylum in order to be near his wife whose madness he feels responsible for; although a synopsis like this can't begin to explain the power of the film, nor the depth of its vision. The film's eerie, painted sets and stark lighting create an exterior manifestation of the patient's interior turmoil. The print of this first mature Japanese experiment film itself was believed lost, along with many other Japanese films from the silent and early era of sound, or destroyed during World War II...until the early 1970s, when the director himself miraculously found a print in his garden storeroom. A music soundtrack was added to it, which fits perfectly with the images. What has made A Page of Madness such an acclaimed classic is its style. The film retains the power to knock the viewer over, using almost every technique known to the filmmakers of that time. Teinosuke Kinugasa was way ahead of his time. There are no inter-title cards explaining what is happening in the film, instead the film was made in the Japanese silent cinema tradition where the script was narrated live by Benshi or storytellers to furnish crucial information. Overall the film is not only a tour-de-force of visually striking and disturbing images, but also a film with narrative and subject matter which would later become one of the huge landmarks of the Jap-Horror sub-genre and is also celebrated as one of the masterpieces of silent cinema." - Roshiq A Tale Of Two Sisters aka Janghwa, Hongryeon (2003) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg |
Alone aka Faet (2007)
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g1.../AloneFaet.gif "Sisterhood always has a profound emotional appeal to the genre fans; Robert Aldrich's 60's classic Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?, Brian DePalma's 70s Sisters and even the 2003 Korean art-horror A Tale Of Two Sisters are already stellar cinematic examples of this theme. In the same ground while the storyline doesn't sound really that original, Alone unfolds with the surviving Siamese twin having to encounter the supernatural return of her deceased other, then what mattered was how the subject again was being introduced and crafted, how tension and suspense were built, and how easy it is to spook audiences when all the ingredients turn out right. The talented pair of Thai writers and directors, Banjong Pisanthanakun and Parkpoom Wongpoom once again succeeded in that area by taking some of the basic tropes of the Asian ghost story, and then undermining them into something slightly different, something new and fresh that's built upon universally recognizable emotional ground such as sibling rivalry, family guilt and romantic jealousy. If anyone think Banjong and Parkpoom were one hit wonders with their widely acclaimed 2004 debut -Shutter then this will prove them wrong. With Alone they established themselves as the modern masters at manipulating tension, even if you know what's coming but still make you jump when they deliver. They beautifully packed the film with shock after shock and plenty of creepy atmospherics. But above all, the psychological bonding of conjoined twins is the heart of the story. Through well-paced flashbacks and visualized memories, we watch how the twins grow up and are exposed to the strongest and weakest moments of their relationship together and with others around them. These moments give Alone an added depth, and often times is more of a tragic character study than its spooky horror parts. Whoever hasn't seen this insanely creepy Asian shocker yet, can expect a 90 spine-tingling minutes of solid A-grade terror, the kind that tends to linger within our jaded psyche long after the film has run its course." - Roshiq Aragami (2003) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Arang (2006) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Art of the Devil II aka Long Khong (2005) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Audition aka Ôdishon (1999) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg |
Battle Royale aka Batoru rowaiaru (2000)
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Battlefield Baseball aka Jigoku kôshien (2003) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Bio Zombie aka Sun faa sau si (1998) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg "This wonderful little Asian zombie flick deserves better than played out comparisons to American zombie flicks. This is a dark comedy about two friends, jerks really, that are somehow wonderfully likeable. While the monsters take a while to make their appearance, the shenanigans that the two leads get into provide wonderful entertainment. The other characters turn out to be just as fun, and once the real fun gets going their interactions lead to some fun and playful scenes. Gore-hounds might be a little disappointed with this fun, low-budget film, but in the end, even they will come away approvingly. That this film is character-driven and that we get to understand what true friendship and honor are really all about takes nothing away from its goofy horror. The ending itself takes on a completely unforseen tone, but with a dark and wonderful aplomb." - Psycho_d Blind Beast aka Môjû (1969) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Blood: The Last Vampire (2000) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg |
Calamity of Snakes aka Ren she da zhan (1983)
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Cello aka Chello hongmijoo ilga salinsagan (2005) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg "This above average Korean flick is splendidly rich and twisted. The story centers on a music teacher that is tortured by some dark secret. Getting her life back together after a horrible car accident, her inner torment starts to be augmented by something else. With lots of stuff going on, including many creepy women in her life, the source of her new torment is anybody's guess. With solid acting and a suitably beautiful score, Cello threatens to be a favorite modern Asian horror film. The camerawork is splendid, with great shots and wonderful imagery. Though not as intensely scary as other flicks of this genre, the scare factor comes together in a holistic fashion. And the ending, which threatens to be cheesy, comes full circle and turns out to be truly terrifying. A must-watch." - Psycho_d Cure aka Kyua (1997) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg "This somewhat abstruse crime drama from Kiyoshi Kurosawa is rather slowly paced and difficult to follow. That this is so, is no reason to stay away from this flick, but rather watch it for all its subtle, profound, and underlying intention. Kurosawa tends use intellect as opposed to CGI to move the viewer, and this film demonstrates this talent beautifully. The absolute randomness of the murders is chilling, but that the murders might be related to the murderous capacities that we all harbor might be the most chiiling aspect of this dark, cerebral flick. The ending might also leave the viewer confused, but contemplative long after it is over." - Psycho_d Dark Water aka Honogurai mizu no soko kara (2002) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Death Note aka Desu nôto (2006) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg |
Death Note II: The Last Name aka Desu nôto: The last name (2006)
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Demon City Shinjuku aka Makaitoshi Shinjuku (1988) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Ebola Syndrome aka Yi boh lai beng duk (1996) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Eko Eko Azarak: Wizard of Darkness aka Eko eko azaraku (1995) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Entrails of a Virgin aka Shojo no harawata (1986) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg |
Evil Dead Trap aka Shiryo no wana (1988)
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/...HL._AA240_.jpg Frankenstein Conquers The World aka Furankenshutain tai chitei kaijû Baragon (1965) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Gantz (2004) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Ghost Actress aka Joyû-rei (1996) http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g1...ostactress.gif Godzilla aka Gojira (1954) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg |
Goke, The Bodysnatcher from Hell aka Kyuketsuki Gokemidoro (1968)
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g1...goke2cover.jpg Gozu aka Gokudô kyôfu dai-gekijô: Gozu (2003) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Guinea Pig: Flowers of Flesh and Blood aka Ginî piggu 2: Chiniku no hana (1985) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Ichi the Killer aka Koroshiya 1 (2001) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Imprint (2006) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg |
Infection aka Kansen (2004)
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg "This flick is all atmosphere, all the time. The actors all emote an unnerving, underlying tension throughout. The way it builds up the feeling that there is something horribly wrong with the hospital could nary have been better. Then things start to get creepy. Seemingly random scenes become less random, and finally you just wish that something would scare you for a cathartic release. Downcast and nihilistic enough to nearly capture the essence of Kairo, but unique in its own way, this bizarre flick was great, though it may have overextended itself in its abstruse, existential ending. Even so, this is a must for Asian horror fans." - Psycho_d Into The Mirror aka Geoul sokeuro (2003) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Izo (2004) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg "This frenetic flick from director extraordinaire Takashi Miike is a seemingly pointless bloodfest from start to finish. Of course it is not pointless, but instead takes the viewer on a philosophic journey which transcends both time and space. That this story is written in blood should not take away from the profundity of this wonderful movie. Izo is definitely not for everybody, but might be the perfect flick for those that are not easily offended and that would love a stab at trying the unravel Miike's message as told through violence and impressive cinematography." - Psycho_d Jigoku (1960) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Junk aka Junk: Shiryô-gari (2000) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg |
Ju-On: The Curse (2000)
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg "A curse is unleashed upon a house when a person is murdered in a state of rage, which is then expanded upon in a peculiar, non-linear way; the curse is contagious and follows home anyone who comes in contact with the house. There is no real protagonist. The films are divided into sections, each led by the next victim's name on a black screen, the stories are told out-of-sequence, and there's no single continuous story. But that’s the simplicity and utter originality of the concept what makes Takashi Shimizu's V-cinema Ju-On (The Curse), as a unit, so brilliant along with, of course, the photography, atmosphere, and one of the creepiest sound effects ever committed to screen. Takashi Shimizu has taken the haunted house concept and completely turned it on its head, and through a shockingly simple story and execution, has rejuvenated seemingly this dead sub genre of Horror. By making the curse communicable, much like the Ring virus, Shimizu infuses the story with a deep sense of hopelessness and incapability, which is driven even deeper by his use of mounting terror. Very scary, sometimes downright shocking, and absolutely unique in their execution, the film is very much like a puzzle box-especially when taken as a whole. At no point in the film does anyone get the upper hand on the ghosts. It's not even introduced as an option. There are no fights, no confrontations, no shocks, and no final girl. But that's what makes it all so intriguing & different from others. Ju-On is a cruel & creepy urban ghost story that starts mysteriously, ends mysteriously, and features some things in the middle that are as terrifying as you're ever likely to see on the screen in your entire life." - Roshiq Ju-On: The Grudge (2002) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...6L._AA280_.jpg Kakurenbo: Hide and Seek (2005) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Kibakichi aka Kibakichi: Bakko-yokaiden (2004) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Koma aka Jiu Ming (2004) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg |
Kuroneko aka Yabu no naka no kuroneko (1968)
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Kwaidan aka Kaidan (1964) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg "Absolutely beautiful in all aspects, this little gem of a ghostly anthology is more an art form than it is a collection of stories. There are no real scares, and some of the endings can be guessed at the outset . Like classical tragedies, these short stories are instead an expose of humanity. The chilling part is how the supernatural world is so naturally integrated into these short films, creating the creepy notion that ghosts are more natural than supernatural. With incredible direction and spectacularly colorful sets, they can be enjoyed as a purely visual treat as well. The acting of course was superb, and the cinematography splendid. Kobayashi has definitely gone to the threshold of storytelling here, and the result is nothing short of brilliant." - Psycho_d Lady Snowblood aka Shurayukihime (1973) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg "Thank you Tarantino for using this flick as an inspiration for Kill Bill, for it pulled this flick out of obscurity and into the general market for the serious moviegoer. Lady Snowblood is a revenge flick that is on par with Lady Vengeance, though this comparison should end right there. Replete with gallons of airborne red paint for blood, this lady samurai flick is much more that just an exploitation flick. Born ensconced in death, literally, our heroine's main purpose in life is to kill the perpetrators of a vile and personal crime. After some twenty years of arduous training, Lady S. goes out on her spree of vengeance. But this film is more than that. Lady S. shows a trace of humanity as she comes to question her purpose in life. This one has it all: a brilliant score, wonderful acting, beautiful albeit sometimes shaky cinematography, a solid story, and wonderfully smooth direction. Let us not forget the geysers of blood. A tragic and vengeful must-see for any fan of Asian classics." - Psycho_d Mad Doctor of Blood Island (1968) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Marebito (2004) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg "This intense, low budget movie from Takashi Shimizu of Ju-on fame may not be for everybody, but it is a must see for those willing to take a psychological journey beyond the fantastic realms of disturbing terror. Actor/director Shinya Tsukamoto plays Masuoka, an alienated and voyeuristic freelance cameraman obsessed with what can only be thought of as "the dark terror". Emotionally dead, he begins to seek life in the darkest of places, maybe in an effort to discover truth in ineffable horror. We take this journey with Masuoka mainly through the lens of his digital camera and his dialogue, only to descend onto the abyss of his (or everybody's) madness. Immensely symbolic with no boundaries of interpretation, this flick is like a cathartic purge of the dark genius of Shimizu, which may not be far from the truth as this complex tale was reportably shot in eight days. For those willing to risk a trip into unspeakable madness and imagery, this wonderful film may be the perfect meal-ticket." - Psycho_d |
Master of the Flying Guillotine aka Du bi quan wang da po xue di zi (1975)
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Matango: Attack of the Mushroom People (1963) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Meatball Machine (2005) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Men Behind The Sun aka Hei tai yang 731 (1988) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Mr. Vampire aka Geung si sin sang (1985) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg "Forget the holy water, forget the crucifixes and throw away the wooden stakes. None of that is going to help you here. Sticky rice and a couple of sacrificial chickens are going to be of much more use. Just make sure the rice is uncooked…. This is vampire slaying, Hong Kong style! Lam Ching Ying turns in a fine performance as ‘Uncle Kau’ the one-eye browed Taoist priest. With the help of a pair of bumbling sidekicks, Uncle Kau must do battle with a host of vampires along with an incredibly seductive apparition. Ricky Lau delivers the quintessential kung-fu horror comedy, blending all elements superbly. Incredible slapstick comedy, indicative of the genre, coupled with quirky fantasy horror provide the perfect platform. Couple that with a solid musical score and impressive cinematography and you have a stylish and entertaining movie which is hard to fault." - Straker |
Nang Nak (1999)
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Ninja Scroll aka Jûbei ninpûchô (1993) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Noriko's Dinner Table aka Noriko no shokutaku (2005) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg "This slow burner of a film is not so much a horror flick as it is a philosophic take on the horrors of isolation and emptiness in society. Building on Shion Sono's Suicide Club, Noriko's Dinner Table takes the viewer to the next level by expounding upon the hollow ubiquity found in community by showing us a solution to the absurd problem of familial and social detachment. Just like instant coffee and 3 minute rice, this flick elicidates the insanity of looking for instant happiness and contentment in the family and in society in general. Of course, the ardent and patient horror fan will be rewarded with some tragic violence, but this one is not a horror flick per se, as much as it is immensely horrific." - Psycho_d Noroi the Curse (2005) http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g1...navi/Noroi.jpg "It is my humble opinion that this wonderflick by Koji Shiraishi would best be seen without any review other than that it was original and awesome in its own right. That it is scary and that it deserves to be on this top 100 list is more than enough information. Don't even read the back of the DVD cover or the Netflix blurb, just watch and enjoy!" - Psycho_d Oldboy (2003) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg |
One Missed Call aka Chakushin ari (2003)
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Onibaba (1964) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Paprika (2006) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Perfect Blue (1998) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Phone aka Pon (2002) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg |
Premonition aka Yogen (2004)
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Pulse aka Kairo (2001) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Rampo Noir aka Rampo jigoku (2005) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Re-Cycle aka Gwai wik (2006) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg "Starts out a little slow, turning into your everyday Asian ghost story, and then Bam!, not so typical. The visuals were pretty stunning (if ya can forgive the CGI), and i loved how the ending tied most of everything together. The story does sort of try to stuff its philosophic message down your throat, but this does not take away from the story (though it may tap into some repressed guilt). I would say its more an explorative dark Asian fantasy, than an out-and-out Asian horror film." - Psycho_d Reincarnation aka Rinne (2005) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg |
Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky aka Lik Wong (1991)
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Ringu (1998) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg R-Point (2004) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg SARS Wars: Bangkok Zombie Crisis aka Khun krabii hiiroh (2004) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Save the Green Planet aka Jigureul jikyeora! (2003) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg "Blending genres to the point of being a genre of its own design, this was a wonderfully original flick from South Korea. Don't let the DVD cover fool ya as this wickedly humorous flick is not for the light-hearted nor is it a good choice for the whole family. This one is somehow bizarre yet heart-felt, silly while being a study of cultural tragedies, torturous yet darkly comedic. With great direction and acting, and a delicious soundtrack that jumps back and forth between punk and a string section orchestra, this hidden beauty will sure to be both entertaining as well as moving." - Psycho_d |
Shutter (2004)
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Silk aka Gui si (2006) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Spirited Away aka Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi (2001) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Spooky Encounters aka Gui da gui (1980) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg "Sammo Hung plays the part of ‘Bold’ Cheung, a put upon husband, whose wife is having an affair. Fearful of Cheung, his wife’s lover sets about plotting his demise. Getting him to spend a night in a haunted house seems like a good place to start, right? This is the movie that ushered in the kung-fu horror comedy genre and provides the benchmark by which all others are measured. Brimming with quirky mythology and folklore and punctuated with slapstick martial arts only Sammo can deliver, this is a treat from start to finish. A movie filled with memorable scenes and stunning choreography that seamlessly blends horror, comedy and action to create a genuine classic. Hopping vampires and ghouls, monkey gods, sacrificial chickens and ancient scriptures, this one has everything. With an ending that is sure to delight, this belongs in everyone’s collection." - Straker Suicide Club aka Jisatsu sâkuru (2001) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg |
Tetsuo: The Iron Man (1989)
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg The Echo aka Sigaw (2004) http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/image...500_AA240_.jpg The Eye aka Gin gwai (2002) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg The Green Slime aka Gamma sango uchu daisakusen (1968) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA280_.jpg The Happiness of the Katakuris aka Katakuri-ke no kôfuku (2001) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg |
The Host aka Gwoemul (2006)
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg The Quiet Family aka Choyonghan kajok (1998) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg The Red Shoes aka Bunhongsin (2005) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg The Twins Effect (aka) Vampire Effect aka Chin gei bin (2003) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Tokyo Gore Police aka Tôkyô zankoku keisatsu (2008) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg |
Ugetsu aka Ugetsu Monogatari (1953)
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg "This uniquely simple movie is also a masterpiece of direction and cinematography. The story itself is simple. Set in 16th Century Japan, two peasant men follow their dreams of wealth and glory as the country is about to be devastated by war. While the backset shows how the ravages of war torments the peasants to obscenity, this is more a tale of human nature, a tale of greed and vanity, of mistakes made by real people. Men here fight for wealth, fame and power, while the women strive for simple and unadorned security; that men make the greatest of errors does not equate to women being without their faults. The acting is compelling, with all of the leads portraying their parts with powerful results. The direction is awesome, and the camera-work is wonderful. With splendidly long takes, a camera inconspicuously on the move with flawless intent, and eerie scenes that forbodes what is to come (AKA the boat scene), there is nary a fault to be found in what should be considered as one of the best films ever made." - Psycho_d Urotsukidoji I: Legend of the Overfiend aka Chôjin densetsu Urotsukidôji (1989) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Uzumaki (2000) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg "Uzumaki is like an apocalyptic tale that starts at a small Japanese town where life is dominated by spirals. Obsession with the ubiquity and deep symbolism of the spiral pattern leads young Shiuchi's father to his doom, but one man's transformation is only the beginning for this isolated community, where time itself seems to be moving in smaller and smaller circles, events faintly repeating themselves with no one able to understand what's happening to them. Only Shiuchi's urgent warnings can prompt his girlfriend Kirie to start looking for a way out. From this bizarre but simple premise, this story grows into something horrific and gradually develops into one of the most strikingly original Japanese horror movies of its era. In this uncanny tale of horror, the evil is a shape, a spiral that invades the daily lives of the town, causing obsession, madness and eventual death. The shape begins to imprint itself on everything, creeping slowly into the lives and minds of the residents. Because there's something cold and inhuman about spirals - they aren't exactly shapes, but they aren't anything else, either. They’re in their ears, and in the food they eat. Sometimes their bodies twisted into spirals, and even these spirals are often dusted in the clouds, and in escaping steam and smoke. Before you are going to know more about it, you'll realize that spirals are everywhere…like a sign of the weirdest form of human catastrophe that never portrayed on celluloid before. And this makes Uzumaki a film full of dark tricks and red herrings, and it knows that what really scares us is when nothing makes any sense anymore. Taken from a manga of Junji Ito of the same title, this Japanese treat is somewhat like a cross between Lovecraft and David Lynch creations. For a first time effort for the big screen, director Higuchinsky makes use of the little town atmosphere with a strong cast and a somewhat disorienting directing style to make a classic & very original J-Horror film; and he ended up making this surreal and brilliant masterpiece in the history of Asian Horror cinema." - Roshiq Vampire Hunter D aka Kyûketsuki hantâ D (1985) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust aka Banpaia hantâ D (2000) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg |
Versus (2000)
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Visitor Q aka Bijitâ Q (2001) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Voice aka Yeogo gwae-dam 4: Moksori (2005) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Wild Zero (2000) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg Wishing Stairs aka Yeogo goedam 3: Yeowoo gyedan (2003) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg |
HONORABLE MENTIONS
3 Extremes II aka Saam gaang (2002) Art of the Devil aka Khon len khong (2004) Carved: The Slit-Mouthed Woman aka Kuchisake-onna (2007) Darwaza (1978) Elfen Lied aka Erufen rîto (2004) Exte: Hair Extensions aka Ekusute (2007) Face (2004) Feng Shui (2004) Forbidden Siren aka Sairen (2006) Freeze Me aka Freezer (2000) H (2002) Inner Senses aka Yee do hung gaan (2002) Ju-on: The Grudge 2 (2003) Memento Mori aka Whispering Corridors 2 aka Yeogo goedam II (1999) Neighbor No. 13 aka Rinjin 13-gô (2005) Rahtree: Flower of the Night aka Buppha Rahtree ((2003) "Funny to the point of ridiculous, this blast of a Thai flick sways back and forth between funny, creepy, goofy, scary, and even grusome. And while it was a blast to watch, Bhuppa Rahtree deserves more than just being relegated a guilty pleasure as the premise and story were solid enough to elevate it into the land of decent Asian horror." - Psycho_d Red To Kill aka Yeuk saat (1994) Ringu 2 (1999) Sex and Fury aka Furyô anego den: Inoshika Ochô (1973) Terrifying Girl’s High School Lynch Law Classroom aka Kyôfu joshikôkô: bôkô rinchi kyôshitsu (1973) The Eye 2 aka Gin gwai 2 (2004) The Untold Story aka Bat sin fan dim ji yan yuk cha siu bau (1993) The Wig aka Gabal (2005) Veerana (1988) Wicked City aka Yôjû toshi ((1987) |
Very nice work indeed. Thanks to all ya'll for this absolutely beautiful list. Ashe.
derek |
Very cool list. Plenty I've never seen though... Looks like my wallet is gonna take a beating over the next few weeks. Pleased to see Mr. Vampire made the cut, great film.
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Sticky it.
Good List. I don't use these things as much as I should. Will do so in the future... |
There is an intimidating amount of films on that list Ive yet to see. Ive seen hints of the work involved when Ive logged into the 'bomb shelter' so kudos to all the compilers.
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WOW....Great job all.
I really have to catch up on some of these |
What an amazing list. Great job everyone.
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Very good list. Makes me wish I stayed caught up with Asian horror.
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Great list, but why in god's name is Re-cycle on there?
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Because it's a great movie.
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So many people put a lot into this and for different reasons didn't get a chance to see it come together. I hope all involved get to stop in and see this, and I hope it's what they expected. Good job guys.
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For some odd reason, the image links are not working when this is shifted to the Japanese Horror section.
So let it be here for awhile. |
Awesome! Fantastic work guys. Applause for Des & V for finishing it so nicely. Whatever little I contributed I'm very grateful to V for giving me the opportunity to become a part of this massive project for HDC. It's been a great honor.
Thank you, Avinash Bhai.:) |
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Great job guys! HEAPS of films in there I need to check out.
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Ditto with me too! I have seen 4-5 of these at most!!:confused::o Good job all involved and thanks for another kickass sticky thread V!!:)
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Great list! I have seen all but like 3-5 of these... and they're pretty entertaining.
But where's Bohachi: Clan of the Forgotten Eight and Samurai Reincarnation? Also, I think Sex and Fury could easily have made this list... |
Absolutely a beautiful list, as always great job. V and Despair, you amaze me with these list, just the time and dedication that you must have. Also for all those that contributed.
I've seen a fair number of these but now there is an opportunity to watch much more. J-horror has always been an interest of mine and I love seeing the variety that appears, from gore to supernatural. |
Wow what a list many on it I've yet to see but will have to check out. Thanks :)
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