Kuroneko (1968)

A group of Samurai happen upon two women in a small house, steal their food, rape, and murder them. The women soon return as vengeful ghosts, luring passing Samurai to their death.

The Japanese title is “Yabu no naka no kuroneko” which translates to “In the Grove of the Black Cat”. It taps into a Ryûnosuke Akutagawa story as well as the folklore of cats taking human form to avenge the wronged.

This film could have been just a series of revenge killings of the institutionally corrupt Samurai, but it’s more complicated than that. I won’t go into detail, but things become complicated.

There's not much else I can say lest I spoil. Kuroneko is a very satisfying watch. It’s beautifully photographed and the ethereal story draws the viewer in. It’s been on my radar for quite some time but schedules or circumstances always seem to conspire. I’m very glad to have finally seen it. AMRU 4.