Chris Doyle's cinematographic style really comes out in the feature length version with the camera making the most of Mei's apartment in particular. As you point out, it is unflinching which only adds to the psychological horror of the story. This distinctly Asian film owes nothing in its style to Western horror at all but the quest for everlasting youth and beauty is one that has been the subject of many stories and films from all around the world. 

Cheers Trev.