Onibaba
Cốt truyện
In the 14th-century Japanese film "Onibaba," a mother-daughter-in-law duo, Neba and Kuwa, are forced to rely on their cunning and ruthlessness to survive in a war-torn society. As the samurai armies march through the countryside, the two women find themselves struggling to make ends meet, with their son Kichi away fighting on the battlefield. Their survival strategy involves preying on unsuspecting samurai warriors who wander into the swampy area where they reside. Neba and Kuwa kill these men, then pillage their bodies for valuables such as armor, swords, and jewelry. This gruesome yet necessary practice becomes their means of subsistence. The two women's relationship is complex, with a deep-seated tension between them. Neba, the mother, is cold, calculating, and devoid of emotions, while Kuwa, the daughter-in-law, is warm, compassionate, and struggling to cope with her new circumstances. This dynamic is fueled by the fact that Kuwa is trapped in a loveless marriage with Kichi, who is now fighting on behalf of his lord. As the story unfolds, Neba's brutality and Kuwa's desperation continue to escalate. They become embroiled in a web of violence, deception, and tragedy, which ultimately leads them down a dark path of despair and destruction. The film's climax is marked by a haunting and unforgettable sequence, in which Neba and Kuwa are confronted with the consequences of their actions. Directed by Kaneto Shindo, "Onibaba" is a masterclass in atmospheric filmmaking. Shot in stark black-and-white, the movie captures the bleakness and desolation of war-torn Japan, while its haunting score perfectly complements the on-screen tension. This critically acclaimed film has become a cult classic, celebrated for its themes of female empowerment, the horrors of war, and the devastating consequences of human cruelty.