Based on a Buddhist fable Onibaba (literally 'Demon-Woman') is set in war torn, 14th century rural Japan and tells the story of an old woman and her daughter in law who survive by murdering soldiers to sell on their armour. When their neighbour, who left to fight alongside their son/husband, returns alone following the son's death the ensuing violence, passion and jealousy leads them all to their own deserved conclusions.
The most striking thing about this is film is just how beautifully composed every single shot is. Filmed in the already claustrophobic surroundings of a grass swamp and tiny huts the use of close ups and stark contrasts of black and white make the film at times feel like it really has closed in around you. The Masters of Cinema DVD I watched is an excellent transfer but it really feels made, in a classical sense, as a proper cinematic experience. It's the complete opposite to the kind of films that usually receive that kind of comment, it's not a succession of quick cuts and loud noises punctuated only by popcorn crunching but in its relative simplicity it is visually enthralling.
The narrative as well is, on the surface, a simple morality tale but it is layered and awash with symbolism. The arc of the mother who moves through the loss of her son to passion and jealously on her way to becoming the titular demon is the most interesting but it in an atmosphere where people must do whatever they can to survive every decision made is taken with death never feeling very far away.
While it's clear that there are a lot of cultural references that will make parts of it difficult to relate to out of that context and at times the performance style can at time be quite alien above all the universality of the raw emotion on display and the undeniable quality of the filmmaking mean it's well worth checking out for any fans of horror or melodrama.
Trailer
