Shikoku (1999)

 

Years after moving to Tokyo with her parents, Hinako returns to her hometown in rural Shikoku. She soon learns that her childhood friend, Sayuri, died several years ago and that Sayuri's mother, who used to perform seances and exorcisms, has gone almost insane with grief.

Although this movie offers some visually good settings, it does disappoint as a rather formulaic horror flick with hardly any genuine scares.

 

 

Aruitemo aruitemo (2008)

A family gathers together for a commemorative ritual whose nature only gradually becomes clear.

Subtle, but intense family drama magnificently explores the complex web of relationships and tensions within a family; very reminiscent of Yasujirô Ozu's works - and equal in quality.