ACF 751: Obayashi's "House" mini-review

House © 1977 Toho Co., Ltd.

House
Directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi
With Kimiko Ikegami, Kumiko Ohba, Yoko Minami, Ai Matsubara,
Miki Jinbo, Masayo Miyako, Mieko Satoh, Eriko Tanaka
Japan, 1977, 87 min., digital projection, color
In Japanese with English subtitles.
Print courtesy of Janus Films

As I've written earlier this week, House will be showing at Japan Society tomorrow, Friday, October 29, 2010 at 7:30 PM. This past Tuesday I bought the Criterion single disc DVD release, which I'd been looking forward to for some time anyway, and got to watch it yesterday. I don't have the time or energy for a full review now, but did want to say something about my impression of the film before tomorrow's screening.

House is terrific!!!! It just may be the greatest horror movie ever made! Seven teen-age girls go to visit the spinster aunt of one of them. One by one they get offed. Sounds familiar, right?

Well, in Obayashi's film (his first feature-length movie) things happen in some of the most unexpected ways and with absolutely stunning visuals. Sometimes it's just so great to watch "old school" special effects, and the ones here are terrific. Throw in a bit of t&a, not much, but some, and you've got yourself one incredible cinematic experience.

This is a classic that's in a class all it's own and must be seen. Go to the screening if at all possible, but see this film. The booklet that comes with the DVD includes an outstanding essay by Chuck Stephens. I haven't had the time to go through the special features on the disc, but I fully expect them to be up to Criterion's high standards. And I'm sure the film will prove well worth repeated viewings.

So go to the screening, then buy the damned DVD, or at least Netflix it. But see House!

Japan Society's screening of House is part of Obake! An Evening of Ghosts, Spirits, & Fun. Tickets to the film grant you admission to all the evening's events.

TICKETS:
FREE for Japan Society members / $15 non-members.

Members: Please call the Box Office at (212) 715-1258 to reserve your complimentary tickets to this performance.

Non-members: Buy Tickets Online or call the Japan Society Box Office at (212) 715-1258, Mon. - Fri. 11 am - 6 pm, Weekends 11 am - 5 pm.

House is Not Rated. Please be advised that there are images of violence and some nudity in the film. Alcoholic beverages will be available only to those over 21 years of age. ID required.

Japan Society is located at 333 East 47th Street (between 1st and 2nd avenues), New York, NY.