Ari Aster Names 91%-Rated J-Horror With an Oscar Nod the Most Beautiful Ever Made

Ari Aster is one of the most promising directors to debut in recent years. He is one of the directors who defines the language and mood of modern independent cinema. However, the director himself is inspired by older works in the genre.

Ari Aster's Favorite Horror Is a Japanese Overlooked Masterpiece

Ari Aster shared his favorite horror movies, one of which was Kwaidan, a Japanese hidden gem released in 1964 that still does not lose its charm even after more than half a century:

“Kobayashi's grand anthology might be the most breathtakingly beautiful horror film ever made. Adapted from four of Lafcadio Hearn's remarkable ghost stories, Kwaidan is ethereal and haunting and possessed of a totally devouring commitment to artifice.”

What Is 'Kwaidan' About?

The term "kwaidan" refers to a folklore genre that emerged in medieval Japan. Traditionally, kwaidan plots are based on the interaction of the real and supernatural worlds.

The movie is divided into four stories based on a collection of Japanese fairy tales. The first story is about a samurai who leaves his young wife for another woman and then returns to a ghost.

The second story is about the spirit of winter, family values, and broken promises. The third one recounts how the renowned blind musician lost his ears. The fourth tale explores the power of fiction and the points of contact between the fictional and real worlds.

'Kwaidan' Is a Visual Feast that Was Nominated for an Oscar

Masaki Kobayashi's Kwaidan, winner of the 1965 Cannes Film Festival and Oscar nominee, takes cultural heritage and turns it into a guide to the fears of post-war Japan and the national specificity of horror.

At three hours long, Kwaidan may seem boring, but don't be put off by its length. The film is a masterpiece of directorial skill, with every frame being a work of art, and it will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Kwaidan's sets and costumes resemble theater, and many of its visual and narrative techniques have influenced modern horror movies, from lighting and ominous backdrops to images of ghosts.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Kwaidan'?

Although Kwaidan has not become a hit like Ring or Ju-on: The Grudge, fans of the horror genre who discovered this hidden gem noted its unique atmosphere and visuals. One Redditor wrote:

“Kwaidan is hands down one of the most impactful horror movies I have watched. [...] It's not a film made to scare you per se, but to haunt you and create a really unique atmosphere as you watch it.”

• Kwaidan has 91% from critics and 90% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 7.9/10.