Cast
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Crew
Director
- Masayuki Kusumi
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Music/Horror/Comedy film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Youjo Melon presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Masayuki Kusumi 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 1987, 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 Youjo Melon took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 45 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 93 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 278 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1006 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1987, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: August 21, 1987
- Runtime: 45m