Onibaba poster

Onibaba (1964)

"The most daring film import ever...From Japan!"

7.719641h 45mJA
Horror

Directed by Kaneto Shindō

Rating

7.7/10

Runtime

1h 45m

Language

JA

Release

November 21, 1964

Director

Kaneto Shindō

Official Trailer

Trailer thumbnail
Official Trailer

Overview

While her son, Kichi, is away at war, a woman and her daughter-in-law survive by killing samurai who stray into their swamp, then selling whatever valuables they find. Both are devastated when they learn that Kichi has died, but his wife soon begins an affair with a neighbor who survived the war, Ha...

Top Cast

Nobuko OtowaJitsuko YoshimuraKei SatōJūkichi UnoTaiji TonoyamaSomeshō Matsumoto

Cast

Nobuko Otowa

Nobuko Otowa

Woman

Jitsuko Yoshimura

Jitsuko Yoshimura

Young Woman

Kei Satō

Kei Satō

Hachi

Jūkichi Uno

Jūkichi Uno

The Samurai

Taiji Tonoyama

Taiji Tonoyama

Ushi

Someshō Matsumoto

Someshō Matsumoto

Runaway Warrior

Kentarô Kaji

Kentarô Kaji

Runaway Warrior

Fudeko Tanaka

Fudeko Tanaka

Old Woman

Hiroyoshi Yamaguchi

Hiroyoshi Yamaguchi

Horse Riding Samurai

Hiroshi Tanaka

Hiroshi Tanaka

Horse Riding Samurai

Kanzō Uni

Kanzō Uni

Horse Riding Samurai

Hosui Araya

Hosui Araya

Ushi's Follower

Introduction

In this latest movie review, we dive deep into Onibaba (1964), exploring its intricate plot and standout performances that have everyone talking.

While her son, Kichi, is away at war, a woman and her daughter-in-law survive by killing samurai who stray into their swamp, then selling whatever valuables they find. Both are devastated when they learn that Kichi has died, but his wife soon begins an affair with a neighbor who survived the war, Hachi. The mother disapproves and, when she can't steal Hachi for herself, tries to scare her daughter-in-law with a mysterious mask from a dead samurai.

🛑 Story ExplainedSpoiler Warning

Our story explained section breaks down the complex narrative of Onibaba. The full story follows a progression that challenges typical tropes, leading to a climax that requires careful analysis.

The ending explained below clarifies the character motivations and the symbolic meaning of the final scenes that might have left some viewers puzzled.

🏆 Final Verdict

5 / 5 Stars

A triumphant piece of cinema that blends gripping narrative with breathtaking visuals. If you are looking for an <strong>OTT release</strong> or want to experience the <strong>full story</strong>, this is a must-watch.

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