For those that liked classic japanese horror (no jumpscares)
A mysterious box and an unlucky group of friends discover it. Our main lead - Hibiki was the only one interested in occultic things, thus can see ghosts.The plotline is as simple as one can get, BUT it was enjoyable. The first half had a great atmosphere and visuals reminiscent of Fatal Frame II (yes that classic about two sisters, village and curse, seem familiar?). The second half and the final sadly weren't as great.
Characters were bland, but it was alright, because actors, even with minimal script shown decent emotions and somehow managed to create believable characters.
The soundtrack was spooky and created an atmosphere. It had major Jigoku Shoujo vibes. The cinematography was decent as well, with long-shots, reflections, and plenty of shadows that delightfully hide the spooks and main characters.
If anyone looking for an easy spooky time - this movie will do the trick.
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It had quite a strong first and last quarter, but the middle part left much to desire. It mostly felt draggy and confusing and not in the “I’m excited to see what will happen next and what it all means” type of way.
The lore is great, imaginative and presented in an interesting visual way, especially at the end. I just wish the storytelling was a little bit more tight. Suicide Forest Village did not create that tense atmosphere that would make me anticipate what’s to come. I was mostly passively watching, not exactly connecting to anything on screen, but not really being bored.
I think the biggest part in the downfall of the movie for me were the characters. If you have an interesting set of protagonists, even a slow paced film will be interesting. This bunch of young adults had little to offer in any aspect.
Without going into spoilers and being as vague as possible, I did enjoy quite a bit the design for everything that happened in the Suicide Forest Village.
Overall, not a bad movie and if you watched all the better titles, this is a good pick. but it’s not something you will remember after a month.
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This review may contain spoilers
Good concept, meh execution
Firstly, I think the whole Akina livestream subplot was incredibly redundant. Especially once they revealed that Mei and Hibiki's family had a connection to the jukai curse and the box for at least 13 years, I just felt like Akina and her whole deal had no place in the movie. It would've been fine without it since the box and the jukai curse are interesting and feel unique. They probably only added Akina cuz she was in howling village and ox-head village so they needed to add her in for the last movie of the trilogy.Next, It's a shame they didn't explain why the box ended up in the house the couple moved into, and just used it as an excuse to kill a bunch of Mei's friend group. Compared to the other two movies, this one holds last place (although I wouldn't say it's a terrible movie).
The english name also sucks incredibly hard. Sure, it's a reference to Aokigahara forest, but just omitting the word "suicide" would make it fit the movie better in my opinion, since the topic of suicide isn't really explored in it and just focuses on the curse making people do things against their will. Also why the hell did Mei and Hibiki's mother sacrifice herself to save their kids when the stupid box will try to take them 13 years later anyway? Makes her death feel useless.
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A beautiful mix of Horror and Folklore
Well I am not much of a writer n just stating my opinion of this movie. If you are a J horror addict just like me, no doubt you wil throughly enjoy this.The story is heavily based on the urban legend or Folklore of kotoribako. If ur unaware about it u wil find abit of a difficulty understanding certain situations happening in the film. Though its ur typical curse movie, it's more than just a curse movie at the same time. Familial love n sacrifice for ur beloved also plays a role in it. Contains no Jumpscares at all but rather has more of a psychological/supernatural element to it.
Acting was good, all actors did their part very well.
Music was eerie perfect for the situation n circumstances going on in the movie.
As for re-watch value it depends on the person,horror movies are not everyone's cup of tea so if ur a horror addict who is interested in less of jumpscare n more of plot based movies then yes but if u like jump fest then no you won't enjoy this.
The cinematography n the visual effects was pretty good,certain Supernatural elements felt very realistic. Overall a very good movie.
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This review may contain spoilers
NOTE: please keep in mind this is my own thoughts and how I feel about it. I know not everyone will agree and that is fine.I'm sorry but what the hell was this? The story. The acting. The synopsis. All had great potential.... had they been done correctly. Okay, everything was great except the story. There were just way to many plot holes and it drove me insane.
Yes, I know the lore about the box. Even know the lore about the forest.
But they took all that and made it barely make sense. What was the point of the girl in the beginning. What was the point of Hibiki taking her internet friends out there and leaving them 2 seconds in? I get the shock and awe affect later when they are "found", but it still doesn't make it make sense.
And what is the point of the "ghosts" being excited when newcomers come in? They all just join the group? Why wasn't Washio there then? Because he didn't finish off his finger? Lol what is it only those that chop it off get in? Just wayyyyy to many questions tbh.
And how did the box get under the house anyway? How did the box become the moms? Why did it just magically show up places if the whole point is to leave it alone? I say this also because of the credit scene when her daughter had the box. Like ..... how? Because of Hibiki? Why?
I hate when movies leave me with more questions that answers. Had all this made sense, this really would have been a bad ass movie.
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