Presented by Japan Foundation
House of Sayuri
Directed by Koji SHIRAISHI
Hosted by Director Koji Shiraishi
Official selection
Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) 2024
Director
Koji Shiraishi
Producer
Kimiaki Tasaka
Writer
Mari Asato, Rensuke Oshikiri, Koji Shiraishi
Cast
Ryoka Minamide, Fusako Urabe, Kitaro
contact
Hakuhodo DY music & pictures Inc.
After years of savings and sacrifice, the Kamikis, a tight-knit family of seven, are elated when their dream of owning a home in the countryside finally comes true. Sure, the house is a bit old and creaky, but nothing could possibly ruin this fresh start for them… Except for the vengeful ghost of a murdered girl, of course, and it doesn’t take long until fleeting shadows and eerie voices start disrupting their haven of peace. So, when things turn violent and inexplicable accidents befall his parents and siblings, eldest son Norio is shocked to see his sweet, dementia-ridden grandmother suddenly step up as the family’s protector. Refusing to let any kind of evil spirit bully them out of their house, she’s come up with a master plan, and needs Norio’s help to uncover the truth about poor little Sayuri’s untimely death.
From J-horror veteran Koji Shiraishi—the man behind several classics including the found-footage gem NOROI: THE CURSE and the silly yet epic SADAKO VS. KAYAKO—this unexpected twist on the haunted-house subgenre is an exciting mash-up of his two favourite things: creepiness and hilarity. Completely shifting gears as it levels up from a dark and unsettling supernatural drama to an unapologetically playful tale of revenge, HOUSE OF SAYURI is also surprisingly tragic and touching. In short, prepare for a rollercoaster ride! Based on a lesser-known manga by Rensuke Oshikiri, whose most famous work is the HI SCORE GIRL series, it was described by the author himself as “a must-see for horror viewers who are tired of protagonists fighting losing battles against the paranormal.” Revenge is a dish best served cold, and it always tastes better when served by grandma. – Alyssia Duval-Nguon
Showings
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