Kenji MISUMI

四谷怪談

Nippon Retro   ² 

Kenji MISUMI’s YOTSUYA KWAIDAN is presumed to be the first colored film version of the famous play. Deviating heavily from the original source, Fuji YAHIRO depicts cold blooded protagonist Iemon as a tragic hero. The “righteous revenge” for his ruthlessly murdered wife leads to the redemption of her evil spirit. The visionary finale is without a question the apex of this underrated masterpiece.

四谷怪談
Yotsuya Kwaidan

日本 1959

84 分

監督
Kenji MISUMI

脚本
Fuji YAHIRO Nanboku TSURUYAの戯曲を基に

撮影
Yukimasa MAKITA

About Kenji MISUMI

Kenji MISUMI, born in 1921, joined the Nikkatsu studio after studying economics in Kyoto. He later moved to Daiei and made BUDDHA, the first Japanese 70mm film, there in 1961. He directed quite a few episodes of the well-known ZATOICHI series. His contributions to the LONE WOLF & CUB series are considered highlights of his filmmaking. He died in 1975.