Shikoku (1999) 

Directed by Shunichi Nagasaki

Starring Yui Natsukawa (Distance, Zatoichi), Chiaki Kuriyama (Battle Royale, Kill Bill), Michitaka Tsutsui

Labelled as a horror but actually a nicely filmed romantic drama (albeit with traditional ghost story attached) revolving around friendship, love, death and the rich Shinto-Buddhist environment of Shikoku.

For those who may not know, Shikoku is the smallest of the four main islands that make up Japan, its name can have two meanings, either four countries or land of the dead, the second certainly comes into play for this film. 

Hinako, Fumiya and Sayori were all born on the island of Shikoku and were very close friends until Hinako had to leave with her family for Tokyo. Many years later she returns to the island and seeks out her old friends only to find that fate has been cruel to Sayori.

After finding Fumiya, their old friendship is re-kindled and slowly develops into romance but there is a third party involved, the ever lingering spirit of Sayori. She had a deep relationship with Fumiya before she died at the tender age of 16 and still hasnt let go of that love. 

Hinako discovers that Sayoris mother (who is a high priestess) has been making a yearly pilgrimage around the 88 temples of the island since the death of her daughter; this has deep significance especially considering she has been making the pilgrimage in reverse, one more time and there could be deep repercussions for the whole island. 

Can Hinako and Fumiya prevent the mother from completing her pilgrimage or will Shikoku become (as its name implies) the land of the dead.

You can see the influence of Ringu on this film although its far more traditional in its construction, the island and villages are very attractive as are the cast. Yui Natsukawa looks far too young to be playing Hinako, a character in her early thirties (although she was actually that age herself). Chiaki Kuriyama plays the role of Sayori with a degree of subtlety (in a pre-Battle Royale role); her distinctive looks and obligatory long hair make her ideal as the ghostly figure.

There isnt a great deal of depth to the story but it just about hangs together, the rich tapestry of Shinto-Buddhism related to the island of Shikoku certainly adds more than a degree of interest.

Not recommended for gore-hounds or fans of shock type horror but if you prefer the more subtle ghost films of yore, theres a good chance youll enjoy Shikoku.

Cheers Trev.

BBFC rated 15

R2 Pal dvd released by Ventura, extras amount to a short Behind the Scenes and interviews with the director and main cast.