Spiral | Uzumaki (2000)

Monday, 29 September 2008 00:00

Reviewed by Carol Sullivan

Genre: Horror
Released: July 6th, 2004
Rating: Unrated

Country: Japan
Alternate Title: Spiral

Director: Higuchinsky
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DVD Features
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Behind-the-scenes/interviews

"Mr. Saito's Camcorder Footage"

Theatrical trailer

Original Japanese soundtrack with English subtitles

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u-zu-ma-ki : n. 1. A spiral shape. 2. Something new to be afraid of...

Attention all fantasy/horror fans; keep your eyes open for the fantastically unnerving Japanese film, Uzumaki. Based on the original story "The Manga" by Junji Ito, and written for the screen by Takao Nitta, this movie was just downright fun to watch...

The story begins in a small Japanese village where the residents are suddenly becoming obsessed with anything that has a spiral pattern. And this swirling shape seems to be everywhere; snail shells, stairwells, pottery, food and even the look of water as it circles the drain. These affected people seem almost mad and stare mindlessly at this shape for hours, becoming irrational when bothered.

As this movie goes along, Kirie (Eriko Hatsune) and her beau, Shuichi (Fhi Fan) get worried as they watch members of their own family come down with this strange obsession. When it leads to compulsive and suicidal behavior, they wonder if they can stop it....And, more importantly, are they next?

Uzumaki is a real kick-in-the-pants; it has that other-wordly-Tim Burton feel to it that is just amazing. The film is fabulously directed by Higichinsky; who skillfully combines horror, sci-fi and fantasy; together creating a slow, deliberate and very spooky experience. This talented director obviously obsessed over each scene as every angle, every shot is a striking visual and these images add volumes to the story line and tense atmosphere.

As the viewer is never quite sure where the story line is heading, it is a pleasant surprise when the filmmakers even add touches of old-style Japanese monster effects to the movie. Another amusing touch was that in each and every scene, they have hidden a spiral; subtle at first, then becoming more and more obvious as the film clips along. Watch closely to see if you can spot them all!

All in all, Uzumaki is a detailed and talented piece of filmmaking and every slithering, swirling scene will be stuck with you for hours...

Recommended as a rental and/or purchase.

Overall Rating : 3 1/2

VIDEO | Original Trailer

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Last Updated ( Friday, 27 March 2009 15:42 )