Phantoms of the Field: Kaneto Shindō's Onibaba

From time to time, Mr. Chavez & I stumble on what can lovingly be referred to as "hidden cinematic gems". A few weeks ago we discovered (for ourselves, at least) a rarely seen "cult classic" - Herk Harvey's Carnival of Souls. As we continue our look into the Horror genre we discover another film that deserves much greater attention. In 1964 Japanese director, Kaneto Shindō directed a disturbing and rather compelling look into relationships strained by the struggles and horrors of war and the power and drive for survival. Onibaba is Shindo's examination of three people (two women - mother-in-law and daughter - and a man) living, suffering, and fighting for survival through a war-ravaged 14th Century Kyoto.

Filmed in beautiful widescreen (2.35:1) Black & White, Shindō's film beautifully captures the war-ravaged countryside (overwhelmingly tall plant stalks) and the people who will murder samurai to survive one day at a time. The talk focuses on the movie, and - as always - steers into a discussion of emotion, humanity, fear, paranoia, and violence. Take a listen . . . it's a fun talk. We can be reached at [email protected] - Many Thanks. 

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