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Reviews
Yashagaike (1979)
Ahead of its time
Tamasaburo plays both leading ladies in this fantasy. Two worlds meet in it-the mundane humans on dry land and the crustaceans and dragon under the pond's surface. I remember a crab and a lobster conversing over current events. Most memorable and beautiful is a romantic scene between the lady on dry land and her husband. It's a build up to only a kiss, but the sexual and emotional tensions acted out sticks in your mind.
I viewed this film with a Japanophile at Japantown sometime in the mid eighties. It was available on VHS at Tower records, and watched it several times with uninitiated friends, keeping silent about the gender of Tamasaburo, to see if they would notice. Great memories.
The Legend of Hell House (1973)
Must-see Roddy McDowell acting.
I grew up seeing Roddy McDowell everywhere-movies, TV, talk show. He was ubiquitous and never gave him notice until I watched this film about 2005 on cable. McDowell's acting is both fun and amazing. What I remembered from 2005 was the scene beginning at 1:20. I won't tell you about it-just that I find intense male emotion rare on the screen. I just watched the movie again, and loved how great McDowell is. Very good acting by everybody, but his is a gem-they all had the same director, but quietly, and without stealing any scenes, he brings presence to this movie. Spoiler-I haven't read the book, but the movie initially makes you think Florence Tanner is the sympathetic character. At the end, you realize it was Fischer all along.
You'll enjoy the filming and closeups, along with the dread of the house. I hadn't noticed in 2005, but this movie is well paced. I can't say it's fast paced, but it never drags. I didn't look at my watch once. It's a must-see for horror fans, and Roddy McDowell's as well. You'll mull this one over for a while-Enjoy.