Kuroneko (1968) 2010
Directed by
Kaneto Shindô
Made by
Toho Company
Plot Summary
Yone and her daughter-in-law Shige live peacefully in a bamboo grove, but their lives take a tragic turn when a troop of samurai brutally assaults and murders them, leaving their home in ashes. As a haunting reminder, a black cat appears, licking at the lifeless bodies of the victims.
Resurfacing as ethereal specters with an elegant appearance, the women wait at Rajōmon, their spirits filled with vengeance. They track down the samurai responsible for their demise and lure them to an illusory mansion nestled within the very bamboo grove that once stood as their home. In a lethal twist, they seduce and then ruthlessly kill the samurai, tearing at their throats with ferocity reminiscent of cats on the prowl.
Meanwhile, in the northern regions of Japan, a fierce battle unfolds against the Emishi. Amidst the chaos, a fortunate young warrior named Hachi manages to slay the enemy general, Kumasunehiko, and presents the severed head to Governor Minamoto no Raikō. Claiming glory under the name Gintoki, he is bestowed the title of samurai for his bravery. However, his triumph is short-lived as he returns home only to discover it burned to the ground, with his mother and wife mysteriously gone.
Driven by duty, Raikō instructs Gintoki to eliminate the vengeful ghosts that are terrorizing the samurai. Upon his fateful encounter with the two spectral women, Gintoki realizes that they are none other than Yone, his mother, and Shige, his wife. Bound by their pact with the underworld, they are compelled to kill him as a consequence of his newfound status as a samurai. Yet, Shige unexpectedly defies this pact, choosing to spend seven nights of love with Gintoki, an act that ultimately leads her to be condemned to the underworld.
In a moment of sorrowful reflection, Gintoki reports back to Raikō, asserting that he has vanquished one of the ghosts. His struggles lead him to confront his spectral mother at Rajōmon, where she attempts to ensnare samurai once more. In a fit of desperation, upon recognizing her ghostly form in a pool of water, he strikes her with his sword, severing her arm, which takes on a feline appearance. Bringing this grotesque trophy to Raikō, Gintoki falsely claims it as evidence of his triumph against the second ghost.
Encouraged by Raikō’s commendations, Gintoki learns he must undergo seven days of purification rituals to complete his path to heroism. During this time, he is visited by Yone, who poses as a seer sent to banish evil spirits. Cleverly, she deceives Gintoki into relinquishing the severed arm, before soaring through the ceiling into the night sky. Lost in despair, Gintoki meanders through the forest to the cottage where he first met the ghosts, only to collapse amidst the ruins of his family home, now revealed in its charred remains. As snow gently falls upon him, the mournful sound of a cat’s meow lingers in the distance, echoing the tragic legacy of vengeance and love intertwined in his heart.
Timeline
Tragic Assault
Yone and her daughter-in-law Shige are living peacefully in a bamboo grove when their lives are abruptly shattered. A troop of samurai assaults them brutally, resulting in their deaths and leaving their home in ruins.
Appearance of the Cat
In the aftermath of the tragic event, a black cat appears at the scene, eerily licking the lifeless bodies of Yone and Shige. This enigmatic cat becomes a symbol of the haunting that will follow.
Resurfacing as Specters
Yone and Shige, now ethereal specters, wait at Rajōmon, their spirits eager for revenge against their murderers. Their appearance is elegant yet filled with a yearning for vengeance against the samurai.
Luring the Samurai
The specters track down the samurai responsible for their deaths and lure them into an illusory mansion situated in the bamboo grove. Here, they set a deadly trap that leads to the samurai's demise.
The Samurai's Demise
In a lethal act of vengeance, Yone and Shige seduce the samurai and ruthlessly kill them, showcasing their ferocity. Their actions mirror that of cats hunting, driven by the urge to reclaim their lost lives.
Gintoki's Glory
Meanwhile, in northern Japan, a fierce battle unfolds where a young warrior named Hachi slays the enemy general, Kumasunehiko. Presenting the general's severed head to Governor Minamoto no Raikō, he earns the title of samurai.
Burned Home
Upon returning home, Gintoki discovers that his house has been devastated by fire and his mother and wife are missing. Gone in the chaos of conflict, he is left to grapple with the tragic loss.
Raikō's Command
Governor Raikō instructs Gintoki to eliminate the ghostly threats terrorizing the samurai. Driven by his duty, Gintoki embarks on a quest to confront the vengeful spirits of Yone and Shige.
Encounter with Spirits
Gintoki ultimately confronts Yone and Shige, realizing they are his mother and wife. Bound by their pact, they must kill Gintoki due to his status as a samurai, setting the stage for a tragic resolution.
Defiance of Pact
In a surprising turn, Shige defies the pact with the underworld and chooses to spend seven nights with Gintoki. This act of love leads to her condemnation to the underworld, fortifying the tragic cycle.
Gintoki's Reflection
Gintoki reports back to Raikō, misleading him by claiming he has vanquished one of the ghosts. His internal struggles deepen as he confronts his ghostly mother, leading to a fatal encounter at Rajōmon.
The Severed Arm
In a desperate action, Gintoki strikes Yone while recognizing her corrupted spirit in a pool of water. He takes her severed arm, which grotesquely resembles a feline appendage, as a trophy for Raikō.
Purification Rituals
Encouraged by Raikō’s praises, Gintoki embarks on a seven-day purification ritual to solidify his path as a samurai. However, the spirits continue to haunt him, complicating his journey.
Trickery of Yone
During his purification, Yone disguises herself as a seer, cunningly deceiving Gintoki into giving away the severed arm. She then escapes into the night, leaving Gintoki in a state of despair.
Climactic Collapse
Gintoki wanders through the forest back to his family's ruined cottage, where all remnants of his past linger. Overwhelmed by grief, he collapses amidst the ashes of his former home, as the haunting meow of the cat echoes around him.
Characters
Yone
Yone is portrayed as a maternal figure who transitions from a victim to a vengeful spirit. Her transformation reflects deep sorrow and unfulfilled desires for her family. As a ghost, her ethereal presence carries both grace and fury as she seeks vengeance for her untimely death.
Shige
Shige embodies love and sacrifice, torn between her spectral duty and her affection for Gintoki. Her choice to spend seven nights with him showcases her conflict, ultimately leading to a tragic fate. This character represents both the allure of love and the heavy toll it can take in the face of vengeance.
Gintoki
Gintoki is introduced as a warrior of honor who suddenly faces a tragic revelation about his lost family. His journey from glory to despair reflects the inner turmoil of a man caught between new responsibilities and haunting memories. As he confronts both the living and the dead, his character encapsulates themes of duty, loss, and redemption.
Setting
Time period
Feudal Japan
Set during the tumultuous period of Feudal Japan, this era was marked by samurai culture and relentless wars. It was a time when honor and vengeance were deeply intertwined, shaping the fates of many. The societal structures were volatile, influencing the lives of warriors and the common folk alike.
Location
Bamboo Grove, Rajōmon, Northern Japan
The story unfolds in a peaceful bamboo grove, once a tranquil home turned to ashes by tragedy. Rajōmon, a historical gate, serves as a significant meeting point for the souls seeking revenge. Northern Japan is steeped in conflict, providing a backdrop of tumultuous battles against the Emishi.
Themes
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Revenge
Revenge drives the spectral women, Yone and Shige, as they seek to avenge their brutal deaths at the hands of the samurai. This theme weaves through the narrative, showcasing how the desire for vengeance can transcend life and death. Gintoki's struggle with his spectral loved ones adds layers to this quest for retribution.
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Tragic Love
The movie explores the theme of tragic love, focusing on the bond between Gintoki and his wife, Shige. Their relationship endures even beyond death, culminating in a heartbreaking choice that defies the ghostly pact. This poignant love story intertwines with vengeance, making the characters’ destinies all the more tragic.
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