Kwaidan (1965)

In the tradition of "RASHOMON" and "GATE OF HELL."

Kwaidan (1965) poster

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.

Director: Masaki Kobayashi
Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Drama
Runtime: 183 min
Release Date:

Cast

Screenplay

Music: Toru Takemitsu
Editing: Hisashi Sagara
Production: Ninjin Club
Country: Japan
Language: 日本語
Original Language: ja

Themes

Ghostly Apparitions and the Spirit Realm, Revenge from the Spirit World, Supernatural Horror and Terror, Ghostly Specter and Haunted Realm, Horror Anthology: Short and Concentrated Terrors

Keywords

samurai, based on novel or book, story teller, snowstorm, tea, promise, snow, blind, spirit, vengeful ghost, ghost story, ghost, sea battle, japanese folklore, naval battle

Trailer

Kwaidan Trailer

Similar Movies

More Films by Director: Masaki Kobayashi
More Films in Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Drama

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kwaidan about?
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.
Who directed Kwaidan?
Kwaidan was directed by Masaki Kobayashi.
Who stars in Kwaidan?
Kwaidan stars Michiyo Aratama, Rentaro Mikuni, Misako Watanabe, Kenjirō Ishiyama, Ranko Akagi, Fumie Kitahara.
How long is Kwaidan?
Kwaidan has a runtime of 3h 3m (183 minutes).
What genre is Kwaidan?
Kwaidan is a Horror, Fantasy, Drama film.
Where was Kwaidan produced?
Kwaidan was produced in Japan.
What are the themes of Kwaidan?
The themes of Kwaidan include: Ghostly Apparitions and the Spirit Realm, Revenge from the Spirit World, Supernatural Horror and Terror, Ghostly Specter and Haunted Realm, Horror Anthology: Short and Concentrated Terrors.