The Encyclopedia of Japanese Horror Films
Edited by Salvador Jiménez Murguía
Publication date:
29 July 2016Length of book:
422 pagesPublisher
Rowman & Littlefield PublishersISBN-13: 9781442261662
Although the horror genre has been embraced by filmmakers around the world, Japan has been one of the most prolific and successful purveyors of such films. From science fiction terrors of the 1950s like Godzilla to violent films like Suicide Circle and Ichi the Killer, Japanese horror film has a diverse history. While the quality of some of these films has varied, others have been major hits in Japan and beyond, frightening moviegoers around the globe. Many of these films—such as the Ringu movies—have influenced other horror productions in both Asia and the United States.
The Encyclopedia of Japanese Horror Films covers virtually every horror film made in Japan from the past century to date. In addition to major and modest productions, this encyclopedia also features entries on notable directors, producers, and actors. Each film entry includes comprehensive details, situates the film in the context and history of Japanese horror cinema, and provides brief suggestions for further reading.
Although emphasizing horror as a general theme, this encyclopedia also encompasses other genres that are associated with this theme, including Comedy Horror, Science Fiction Horror, Cyber-punk Horror, Ero Guru (Erotic Grotesque), and Anime Horror. The Encyclopedia of Japanese Horror Films is a comprehensive reference volume that will appeal to both cinema scholars as well as to the many fans of this popular genre.
The Encyclopedia of Japanese Horror Films covers virtually every horror film made in Japan from the past century to date. In addition to major and modest productions, this encyclopedia also features entries on notable directors, producers, and actors. Each film entry includes comprehensive details, situates the film in the context and history of Japanese horror cinema, and provides brief suggestions for further reading.
Although emphasizing horror as a general theme, this encyclopedia also encompasses other genres that are associated with this theme, including Comedy Horror, Science Fiction Horror, Cyber-punk Horror, Ero Guru (Erotic Grotesque), and Anime Horror. The Encyclopedia of Japanese Horror Films is a comprehensive reference volume that will appeal to both cinema scholars as well as to the many fans of this popular genre.
Murguia, along with more than 50 international academic contributors, presents an A–Z reference guide highlighting Japanese horror (J-horror) cinema. Various aspects of the genre are considered, such as ero guru nansensu (erotic grotesque nonsense), tokusatsu (live-action special effects), and anime. This encyclopedia seeks to provide a 'perspective on the intersection between popular culture and the commercial production of horror' that is 'accessible for general audiences and academics alike.' Films (Ringu; Tokyo Gore Police), directors (Takashi Miike, Kiyoshi Kurosawa), and series ('Ju-on,' 'Tetsuo,' 'Daimajin') are examined. Entries on films include information such as date, director, and screenwriter along with graphically detailed synopses and brief analysis, in order to give scholarly credence to these works. Many of the movies are disturbing in theme and involve scenes of rape, mutilation, and torture. Splatter, slasher, and 'pink' films (those with sex or nudity) are discussed. This comprehensive source will benefit those looking for material on these films in a single volume and be of value to film students researching the topic. Some articles offer helpful bibliographies for further exploration. VERDICT: For J-horror enthusiasts and academic libraries with film collections.