Kwaidan (1965)

Kernel Score: 88% · 442 ratings

Genres: Horror, Fantasy, Drama

Released: 1965-01-06

Runtime: 183 minutes

Overview

Taking its title from an archaic Japanese word meaning "ghost story," this anthology adapts four folk tales. A penniless samurai marries for money with tragic results. A man stranded in a blizzard is saved by Yuki the Snow Maiden, but his rescue comes at a cost. Blind musician Hoichi is forced to perform for an audience of ghosts. An author relates the story of a samurai who sees another warrior's reflection in his teacup.

Director

Masaki Kobayashi

Cast

  • Michiyo Aratama as First Wife (segment "The Black Hair")
  • Rentaro Mikuni as Husband (segment "The Black Hair")
  • Misako Watanabe as Second Wife (segment "The Black Hair")
  • Kenjirō Ishiyama as Father (segment "The Black Hair")
  • Ranko Akagi as Mother (segment "The Black Hair")
  • Fumie Kitahara as (segment "The Black Hair")
  • Kappei Matsumoto as (segment "The Black Hair") (uncredited)
  • Yoshiko Ieda as (segment "The Black Hair") (uncredited)
  • Otome Tsukimiya as (segment "The Black Hair") (uncredited)
  • Kenzō Tanaka as (segment "The Black Hair") (uncredited)