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77% Critic Match
Kwaidan
“In the tradition of "RASHOMON" and "GATE OF HELL."”
7.7 / 10• 1965• 3h 3m•PG-13• Japanese
HorrorFantasyDrama
Storyline
Taking its title from an archaic Japanese word meaning "ghost story," this anthology adapts four folk tales. A penniless samurai marries for money with tragic results. A man stranded in a blizzard is saved by Yuki the Snow Maiden, but his rescue comes at a cost. Blind musician Hoichi is forced to perform for an audience of ghosts. An author relates the story of a samurai who sees another warrior's reflection in his teacup.
Cast & Crew
Michiyo Aratama
First Wife (segment "The Black Hair")
Lead
Rentaro Mikuni
Husband (segment "The Black Hair")
Misako Watanabe
Second Wife (segment "The Black Hair")
Kenjirō Ishiyama
Father (segment "The Black Hair")
RA
Ranko Akagi
Mother (segment "The Black Hair")
Fumie Kitahara
(segment "The Black Hair")
KM
Kappei Matsumoto
(segment "The Black Hair") (uncredited)
YI
Yoshiko Ieda
(segment "The Black Hair") (uncredited)
What People Are Saying
4.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Masaki Kobayashi's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
4.0
“Every frame feels alive. Kwaidan is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
