Year: 1968
Director: Hajime Sato
Country: Japan
Language: Japanese
B-Horror films will always have a special place in the North American's heart. Pictures like Sam Raimi's Evil Dead and George A. Romero's Night of the Living Dead both thrill and excite while leaving a profound impact on our imaginations. Japanese horror films do this even greater with more fantasy and surrealism, Nubuhiko Obayashi's House is not easily dismissed. From Criterion's Eclipse line comes an intriguing box set called When Horror Came To Shochiku, within it an interesting gem that will be reviewed today.
The plot of the film consists of a plane crashing in a remote area of Japan. While the survivors are out looking for help they become under attack by blob-like alien creatures that turn their victims into blood thirsty vampire-like beings.
Goke, Body Snatcher From Hell is a unique horror film, though the plot always feels somewhat familiar. It is scary, even terrifying, without relying too much on extreme gore and annoying screams. It is very atmospheric, every technical aspect of the film lends itself to creating an intense feeling of helplessness and anxiety. The blood red skies and eerie music are a good example of this. Sato also hosts a variety of startling images, like pigeons committing suicide via smashing into the plane, to build up tension.
Unfortunately Sato's film is not perfect; while it's abundant in chilling atmosphere, it lacks in script and characters with depth. We care for the heroes, but we don't know much about them and they are a little bit cliched. The acting is a bit hammy and overall the film is poorly paced. Perhaps it's also a bit too long for the subject, because it can be a bit tedious. Still this film is a little bit more than your average B- horror film.
In conclusion, Goke, Body Snatcher From Hell is a very fun film that I would certainly watch again. It has some great qualities that a fantastic horror film should have, but many other aspects hold it back from being something truly amazing. Don't expect anything highly of it, but do expect an enjoyable flick. 3/5
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