Cast
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Tina Tamashiro
as Ai Enma
Manami Hashimoto
as Hone Onna
Raiku
as Ren Ichimoku
Akaji Maro
as Wanyudo
Nana Mori
as Miho Ichikawa
Nimura Sawa
as Haruka Nanjo
Mina Ōba
as Sanae Mikuriya
Yusaku Mori
as Takuro Nagaoka
Reiko Kataoka
as Masako Nagaoka
Tom Fujita
as Maki
Kazuki Namioka
as Kudo
Maki Nishiyama
as
Eiki Narita
as
Crew
Director
- Koji Shiraishi
Producer
- Satomi Odake
- Toshinori Yamaguchi
- Mikihiko Hirata
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Fantasy film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Hell Girl presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Koji Shiraishi 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 2019, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Hell Girl took approximately 14 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 107 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 136 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 57 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The costume department created over 218 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Hell Girl shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Sweet Rain: Accuracy of Death, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Hell Girl subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Suicide Club and Batman Returns explore similar territory, Hell Girl stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 15, 2019
- Runtime: 1h 47m
