Transferring to a brand new house is at all times a mixture of pleasure and stress. New householders should take care of varied points akin to landlords, parking, and HOA charges. Generally these points are easy, however typically they embody sudden challenges akin to a ghost or different supernatural disturbances.
In “Home of Sayuri,” a Japanese household discovers that their new dwelling has a terrifying addition: the ghost of a murdered lady. The presence of the spirit creates intense stress, resulting in tragic outcomes in Koji Shiraishi’s newest horror movie. This movie combines horror with some comedic moments, making for a novel viewing expertise.
Ghosts in homes are a standard theme in Japanese horror movies. Traditional examples embody Masaki Kobayashi’s “Kwaidan,” Hideo Nakata’s “Ringu,” and Takashi Shimizu’s “Ju-On: The Grudge.” Koji Shiraishi is accustomed to this theme from his personal works akin to “Noroi: The Curse” and “Sadako vs. Kayako.”
In “Home of Sayuri,” the crimes of the earlier household have penalties for the brand new residents, resulting in devastating outcomes. The movie has efficient soar scares and a few humorous components, however the shifting tone and a few character developments might be jarring. Nonetheless, it’s a J-horror movie value watching.
What’s ‘Home of Sayuri’ about?
The Kamiki household’s desires come true after they purchase a wonderful home within the countryside. Their happiness is short-lived, nonetheless, when a ghost seems, bringing voices and possessions with him. The ghosts turn into more and more menacing, endangering each member of the household.
The eldest son, Norio (Ryoka Minamide), and his grandmother, Harue (Toshie Negishi), should confront the ghost. Harue’s dementia fades as she helps defend the household and uncover the ghost’s tragic previous.
“Home of Sayuri” explores attention-grabbing concepts: the inevitability of a household’s sins, the struggling of harmless folks, and the way one’s life drive can present safety in opposition to supernatural threats.
The movie contrasts the pleasant and humorous Kamiki household with the darkish historical past of the home. The shapes of the ghost replicate the traumatic previous and join it to the darkish secrets and techniques of the home. This movie is detailed and nicely made, with each component serving a goal.
“Home of Sayuri” stands out for its robust character performances. The Kamiki household is well-acted, particularly Ryoka Minamide, who skillfully performs a loving brother and a terrorized sufferer. Regardless of some points with the character arc and script, Minamide’s efficiency is noteworthy. Hana Kondo additionally shines as Nao Sumida, Norio’s love curiosity with robust intuitive abilities.
Within the second half of the movie, Toshie Negishi delivers a robust efficiency. Her character fights the spirit with willpower and humor, utilizing her life drive to battle the entity. Her depth and memorable traces, akin to “Candy revenge!” add to the movie’s distinctive enchantment.
“Home of Sayuri” displays a noticeable shift in tone. The specter of the ghost is initially offered with pressure and concern. Nonetheless, the tone of the movie shifts to a extra comedic and uplifting fashion through the coaching montage. This modification, whereas attribute, might really feel inappropriate to some viewers.
Because the story reveals the ghost’s tragic previous, the tone turns into critical and dramatic. The movie handles these tonal shifts with various levels of success, typically feeling like a number of movies in a single.
“Home of Sayuri” is a robust movie with spectacular performances and a well-developed story. Koji Shiraishi manages to create memorable soar scares and interesting moments. Whereas there are points with tonal transitions and character arcs, the movie stays an enticing and entertaining addition to the J-horror style.
