Masters of Horror: Imprint [DVD] [2006] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

Having viewed the entire "Masters of Horror" series, I was curious to see this episode that was "Banned From Cable Broadcast." It seems pretty silly in this day and age that something is "banned" from pay TV, and it's not as if Takeshi Miike doesn't have his films shown over here! But, OK, whatever. Miike is a colorful director who specialize in squeamish, sometimes graphic, torture horror. Probably his biggest film stateside is "Audition" which is certainly noteworthy, but my personal favorite is the bizarre musical "Happiness of the Katakuris" (currently out of print, but worth locating if you like absurd comedy).

So on to "Imprint." I'm pleased to say that "Imprint" is actually one of the stronger entries in the series. And seeing how dismal the first couple of episodes in season 2 are (it is currently broadcasting), I'm disappointed this wasn't made available. As the story begins, we're traveling down a river of death to an island of demons and prostitutes--and I was scared this episode would rapidly devolve into supernatural mumbo jumbo. It settles, however, into a two character drama with one of the disfigured prostitutes relating the story of the visitor's lost love. It's a fascinating tale that continues to evolve the more the guest presses for the truth. And the revelations are satisfying, if bizarre. I enjoyed this lurid tale very much.

Along the way, we get torture and plenty of abortions--and I suppose that is the controversial nature of this film (the abortions, I mean--violence is never controversial). No one, however, watching "Masters of Horror" would be the least bit put out by these scenes. If you are expecting something you've never seen before--there's nothing in "Imprint" that going to particularly shock you. But that said, it is definitely an accomplished and disturbing tale worth taking a look at. KGHarris, 11/06.

Japanese director Takashi Miike has always been a master of controversial cinema. His films such as "Visitor Q", "Gozu" and of course, the cult hit "Audition" have always pushed the boundaries of horror filmmaking. "IMPRINT" is Miike's contribution to the "Masters of Horror" series; co-produced by American filmmakers, the film nonetheless, carries the Takashi Miike seal of disturbing images, creepy cinematography and a certain seductive execution that you just cannot take your eyes off its proceedings. This is the film's uncut version that almost never made it to U.S. audiences.

In 19th century Japan, (when the West began to influence Japan), an American (Billy Drago) arrives in an isolated area in search of a Japanese prostitute that he had fallen in love with. He has traveled far in search of a woman named Komomo (Michie), traveling from brothel to brothel in hopes of liberating the kindly woman from her plight. Night falls, and he has no choice but to spend the night in this forsaken town and he is kept company by a kindly courtesan with a deformed face. This mysterious woman (Youki Kudoh) has tales of his beloved Komomo and as to how she had passed away. The man insists on knowing the truth; little does he know that some stories are better left untold.

IMPRINT is a very disturbing mindblower of a story based on the Japanese horror novel "Bokee Kyotee" by Shimako Iwai and adapted for the screen by Daisuke Tengan (Audition). The film is an unspeakabe orgy of torture and depravity, extreme cruelty and perverse vengeance, twisted secrets and stunning revelations. The film's story is told in flashbacks as told by the deformed courtesan played by Youki Kudoh (Memoirs of a Geisha, Mystery Train) and the actress does a very excellent job. In a role such as this, one must consider displaying a certain mental imbalance all the while acting as if there is nothing really amiss with the character. Kudoh is convincing and well carries the film's burden.

The past of the deformed courtesan is actually the film's showstopper. The audience will be drawn to the tales of this mysterious woman; layers upon layers of her character will be revealed slowly. The style of its storytelling is actually very effective. Her story as narrated gets more twisted and disturbing as the film progresses. To sum everything up; this is a tale of curses, Karma and betrayals. Komomo is a courtesan with a kind heart and the torture that she underwent exceeds that ones displayed in Miike's "Audition". I felt a certain uneasiness as I became privy to her torment but at the same time I could not look away. The violent images of abortion will also be etched in my memory.

The direction by Takashi Miike is as solid and competent as ever. I have often said that Miike is a master of visuals and movement; this film displays the usual style that American audiences have grown to love. The camera work is well-executed and the cinematography fits the film's premise. Miike utilizes a lot of colors that represent the film's mood; some scenes have more color than others and shadows are oftentimes utilized. The wind signifies the symbol of change in one's life. The film is VERY DISTURBING, and it is to Miike's credit that he manages to keep a balance between its disturbing images and the film's actual screenplay. I do think the director wanted to keep the cinematography enchanting and mysterious; while the images become more disturbing as it progresses, all the more becoming more seductive. Asian Horror thrives on slow reveal and foreshadowing and this film is no different.

The film's final act and the final SINISTER secret may not be wholly original, but Director Miike is smart enough to play on the film's strengths rather than some of it's weaknesses. One other flaw it may have is that Billy Drago's performance does seem a little lackluster. I felt that he was trying a little too hard to convince. His character may come across as a little underdeveloped for the inexperienced movie watcher but not so if you paid attention to the film's entirety. Aside from Kudoh's performance, Michie also shines in her role as Komomo, however limited her screen time might be. I felt nothing but sympathy for her torment.

The film is also nicely paced. For a film that clocks in at little over an hour, the film does manage to generate the right scares and mental disgust, but I was left hungering for more; all the more being relieved that the film's depressing story had ended. This is a film that really gets under your skin and emotions, and the less you know, the better the experience would be. Takashi Miike has never disappointed me with his tales of surprising twists and violent imagery and "IMPRINT" is no different. Japanese horror may sometimes have the usual motifs of Karma and cursed retribution but after viewing this film, these motifs become quite strong when handled by the right Japanese director such as Takashi Miike. This film is not for the squeamish and those who cannot stand disturbing images.
Cruel, full of torment and mind-blowing uneasiness, the film stays enchanting and gripping with its seductive execution.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! [4 ½ Stars]

I had never heard of the Masters of Horror series. I saw this movie at my friend's house and asked if I could borrow it. He warned me that I might be offended by some things in it. Nonetheless, I still wanted to see it.

The opening scenes made it looked like this was actually gonna be an interesting, perhaps scary, movie.

An American journalist returns to Japan to reunite with his long lost Japanese lover. However, he cannot locate her and searches for her everywhere in Japan. Finally, he comes onto an island that seems to be littered with prostitues. It is rumored that demons dwell there as well.

Immediately, the journalist inquires a little person has heard of or seen Komomo, his lover. When he gets a negative reply, he turns around to leave. However, he's immediately convinced to stay for the night.

Once, he settles into a room, a disfigured prostitute enters. She tries to get things started for a night of action but the journalist is not in the mood. Instead, he asks to tell him a story.

The stories are the main focus of the film. The stories are gruesome and graphic, which is definitely worse than any episode of CSI. These scenes will make you look away from the screen. For me, it was like I couldn't watch. Yet, I couldn't look away either. I was peeking through my fingers. Definitely not for the squeamish!

The plot builds up, which is excellent and intriguing...until the end. When the prostitute reveals something about herself, the movie just skydives. For me, I couldn't help but laugh. It was somewhat cheesy but it was bizarre as well.

Wisely, the movie ended at the right time. If it had been longer, it would have been downright silly and cheesy. However, it ended where you could still dwell on the gory parts.

I mentioned earlier that this movie isn't for the squeamish. There's a good number of torture, physical violence, dead bodies, incest and more. I could see where people might get offensive...especially involving the dead bodies. If you're easily offended, then don't watch this film.