KURONEKO (1968)

Cast

Plot

A woman and her daughter are raped and murdered by soldiers during a time of civil war. Afterwards, a series of samurai, returning from the war, are found mysteriously dead with their throats torn out. The governor calls in a wild and fierce young hero, to quell what is evidently a ghost. He encounters the two beautiful women, in an eerie, beautiful scene. After spiritual purification, he meets the demon in a thrilling fight. Based on an ancient Japanese folk tale, this supernatural tale of revenge and divided loyalty features performances by the cream of kibuki acting. Echoes of Cocteau pervade the wonderfully haunting scenes. A surreal gem from the Golden Age of Japanese film making.