Film Forum

(1964, Masaki Kobayashi) Rentaro Mikuni finds a skeleton at the feast when he adds a second wife; woodcutter Tatsuya Nakadai meets a strange woman in the snow; a blind biwa player gives a command performance for a spirit; an apparition appears in a cup of tea: four ghost stories by expat Lafcadio Hearn (1850 – 1904). Kobayashi’s first color film, with eerie score. 35mm. Approx. 183 min.

Introduced by Monique Truong, author of the new novel The Sweetest Fruits (Viking Books), based on Hearn’s life, exploits, and love affairs. Following the screening, Monique Truong will sign copies of her new novel (available at concession).

Reviews

“An assembly of ghost stories that is among the most beautiful films I’ve seen.”
– Roger Ebert

“A horror picture with an extraordinary delicate and sensuous quality.”
– Bosley Crowther, The New York Times

“Visually and physically stunning.”
– Variety

“Very beautiful.”
– Tony Rayns, Time Out