Kwaidan (1965)

Poster for Kwaidan

Backdrop for Kwaidan

In the tradition of "RASHOMON" and "GATE OF HELL."

Taking its title from an archaic Japanese word meaning "ghost story," this anthology adapts four folk tales. A penniless samurai marries for money with tragic results. A man stranded in a blizzard is saved by Yuki the Snow Maiden, but his rescue comes at a cost. Blind musician Hoichi is forced to perform for an audience of ghosts. An author relates the story of a samurai who sees another warrior's reflection in his teacup.

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Cast & Crew

Director: Masaki Kobayashi

First Wife (segment "The Black Hair") Michiyo Aratama
Husband (segment "The Black Hair") Rentaro Mikuni
Second Wife (segment "The Black Hair") Misako Watanabe
Father (segment "The Black Hair") Kenjirō Ishiyama
(segment "The Black Hair") Fumie Kitahara
(segment "The Black Hair") (uncredited) Otome Tsukimiya
Minokichi (segment "The Woman of the Snow") Tatsuya Nakadai
Yuki the Snow Maiden (segment "The Woman of the Snow") Keiko Kishi

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Keywords

samurai
based on novel or book
story teller
snowstorm
tea
promise
snow
blind
spirit
vengeful ghost
ghost story
ghost
sea battle
japanese folklore
naval battle
horror anthology
ghost in the woods