Japanese Stories by a Greek-American

Written by Lafcadio Hearn in the late 19th century, Kwaidan collects his re-told and "invented" Japanese ghost stories. I discovered them through a movie (from my local library naturally) directed by Masaki Kobayashi.

Through these multiple filters the film strikes one as a highly distilled and stylized stage play with the advantage of special effects (though more of a Cocteau sort - very low-tech but magical). The pacing is slower than that to which modern audiences are accustomed, but allows the natural strengh of the stories and images to unfold fully.

Think of it as accessible Noh drama. The extended opening credits should serve as an indicator if you'll enjoy what's to follow: names and titles superimposed over images of primary-colored ink dissolving in water - much more interesting than the Kubrik light shows in 2001. A nice visual attenuation of one's temporal senses while delivering extremely potent images and stories. Of the four stories presented, "Lady of the Snow" and "Hoichi the Earless" (pictured on the DVD cover) were the strongest. "The Black Hair" was less strong in both story and visual style.

Kwaidan will possibly redefine for you what a ghost story is: more Homer and Virgil than (Stephen) King.