Cast
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Bunta Sugawara
as Masayuki Abe
Namiji Namiura
as Azami
Yōko Mihara
as Mieko Suzuki
Yōichi Numata
as Muneharu Yugebe
Den Kunikata
as Goromaru
Kyôko Yashiro
as Kanako Oikawa
Torahiko Nakamura
as Chudayu Oikawa
Arata Shibata
as Mogusa headman
Kyōji Kokonoe
as
Rei Ishikawa
as Hamada, a detective
Jotaro Yuki
as
Shinji Suzuki
as Fujikura
Katsuya Uda
as Heisaku
Satoshi Komori
as Genzo
Fujie Satsuki
as Old woman
Crew
Director
- Morihei Magatani
Writer
- Jiro Fujishima
- Susumu Takaku
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Drama film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Blood Sword of the 99th Virgin presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Morihei Magatani 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1959, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Blood Sword of the 99th Virgin took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 82 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 123 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 41 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1959, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: September 11, 1959
- Runtime: 1h 22m