Onibaba
1964
****½
Director: Kaneto Shindō
Cast: Nobuko Otowa, Jitsuko Yoshimura, Kei Satō, Taiji Tonoyama
While her son is away at war, a mother and her daughter-in-law kill and rob samurai soldiers for food. When their conniving neighbour returns from war, their lives slowly spiral out of control. Kaneto Shindō's terrific horror film is set in 14th century Japan, and it takes place mostly in a field of tall susuki grass. The setting is totally unique and so is the story, which contains hardship, romance, comedy, and terror.
