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Rei Rei

Rei Rei (1993)

Mankind's problems are tempting the moon to move away from the planet Earth, but Kaguya, a superhuman spiritualist, is attempting not to let it go off too far. She comes down to Earth from her home in outer space to help solve the relationship problems of people. Her first assignment involves foiling a perfect murder and a bit of gender-bending as she tries to help Tanaka revive the life of his dream lover and get revenge on the killer, which was her ex-girlfriend. The second assignment involves pulling a sexually frustrated teenager's spirit out of a video game after the stress of being dumped forced it outside the body.

Directed by Yoshisuke Yamaguchi

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Yoshisuke Yamaguchi
Producer
  • Saburo Omiya

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Thematic Analysis

This Fantasy/Animation/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Rei Rei presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.

Director Yoshisuke Yamaguchi brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1993, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Rei Rei took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 60 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 114 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 61 unique compositions.
  • The costume department created over 399 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 1993, when this film was released:
  • The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
  • Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While Rei Rei shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Marooned, which focuses more on action than character development, Rei Rei offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Highlander III: The Sorcerer and A Life Less Ordinary explore similar territory, Rei Rei stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: January 1, 1993
  • Runtime: 1h