Week 3- Asian Horror

When I first began to delve into "Asian Horror" I'll admit I did not know what to expect. I had seen the American remake of The Grudge when it originally came out in theaters but to put it lightly, I was a novice in the genre. Beginning with film version of Kwaidon I was first taken with the look and overall feel of the movie. Having been made in the 60's and entirely on a sound stage it really had a look that I responded to. It was theatrical and a little bit too perfect, which made it feel dated but also, in my opinion, added to the otherworldly quality of the story. 

I think the thing that I picked up most on throughout all the films and stories is that there is not necessarily a BIG BAD to be defeated or afraid of. These supernatural elements, spirits, ghosts, nature spirits, etc, all seems to simply exist in nature and more than anything seek to restore something that was sent out of balance. Going along with the lack of sinister evil would be the lack of a morality tale told by the protagonist. Nothing irks me more in a horror film than the only couple to be seen getting frisky gets murdered within the next 30 minutes. It was refreshing that not only is there no punishment for a "immoral act"- instead, these spirits exist and are simply trying to put nature back the way it should be and to be left alone. 

Another aspect I enjoyed about the stories and films discussed was the contrast in action from the characters- either they are completely contained and docile, or exploding into action with energy. The snow spirit in Kwaidon for example, is completely calm and walks slowly through the snow- and then suddenly uses her ice breath to freeze that poor old man to death. Not to mention Asami's character in Audition.  I'm going to be totally real with you- I COULD NOT FINISH THIS MOVIE. Too gruesome for me, and frankly nothing creeps me out more that needless gross violence (like in Saw or Hostel) I did however see that same contrast in action in all the stories read in one way or another and while Audition might not be my kind of movie I can definitely see how it fits into the Asian Horror genre. (The man in the bean bag did it for me, NOPE NOPE NOEP NOEP NOPE NOPE NOPE).