The curse of the snake woman is a folklore that has long haunted the imaginations of people across different cultures. This enduring legend revolves around a woman who is cursed to transform into a snake, bringing misfortune and death upon those who encounter her. The curse of the snake woman is often associated with themes of betrayal, jealousy, and the consequences of one's actions. In many variations of the legend, the curse is placed upon a woman who has either been wronged or seeks vengeance. The specific circumstances leading to the curse can vary, ranging from being betrayed by a lover to being envious of someone else's beauty. Regardless of the details, the central idea remains the same: the woman is transformed into a snake and becomes a symbol of danger and destruction.
Starr
That is not to say that there are not several scenes that border on grotesque, but other than the beating of several snakes, the majority of violence portrayed is done so off screen. Those only familiar with Nakagawa s JIGOKU released last year through The Criterion Collection , often cited as his masterpiece, may be a little surprised and possibly even disappointed, as he takes a much more subdued approach with many of SNAKE WOMAN S visuals.
Regardless of the details, the central idea remains the same: the woman is transformed into a snake and becomes a symbol of danger and destruction. What makes the curse of the snake woman particularly unsettling is its ability to infiltrate the lives of unsuspecting individuals. It is said that anyone who encounters the snake woman will suffer a terrible fate.
Curse of the snake woman
It was only a couple of years ago that U.S. soil was inundated with J-Horror remakes. Theaters were flooded with films like THE GRUDGE, DARK WATER and THE RING, leading most Americans to believe that all Japanese ghost stories involved creepy teenage girls with long black hair extensions. Sadly, more traditional Japanese ghost stories (or Kaidan) are not as well known or as popular as their modern counterparts. This is a sad state of affairs, as most Kaidan are based on Japanese folklore or Buddhist stories that are brimming with interesting characters, tense atmosphere and karmic revenge. Traditional Kaidan pictures often portray how a guilty conscience can be far more terrifying that a little pale Asian kid who wears too much eye liner and screams like a cat in heat.
Yasuke is a peasant farmer whose field is reposed by his overbearing landlord, Chobei Onuma. With no land to tend, Yasuke quickly becomes ill and dies, leaving behind his wife, Sue, and daughter, Asa. While paying his respects, Chobei informs the two women that they will return with him to his home, where they will work to pay off the debt left by Yasuke. Upon leaving the grieving family, Chobei is suddenly, albeit briefly, confronted by the ghost of Yasuke. Chobei quickly vacates the village home and orders that it be demolished. Several of the male villagers are then gathered to destroy the home, which uncovers a serpent that is quickly killed. Such an act, in feudal Japan, is considered bad luck and brings with it a curse. Upon reaching the Onuma family home, Asa and Sue are thrown directly into their duties, where they are worked hard and harassed repeatedly by Chobei's wife, Masae, and son, Takeo. While tending the family court, Sue is witness to the beating of another snake found within the home. She throws herself in harms way too protect the creature, only to be injured herself. This injury leads to her death and Asa being left alone to fend off the unwanted advances of Takeo and to pay off her family debt solo. All the while Chobei and his wife are planning the marriage of their son to the mayor's daughter, but the curse put forth on the Onuma family threatens to ruin their plans for a prosperous union.
Nobuo Nakagawa, most often associated with Japanese horror and ghost films, weaves a tense yet traditional ghost story with SNAKE WOMAN'S CURSE. Those only familiar with Nakagawa's JIGOKU (released last year through The Criterion Collection), often cited as his masterpiece, may be a little surprised and possibly even disappointed, as he takes a much more subdued approach with many of SNAKE WOMAN'S visuals. That is not to say that there are not several scenes that border on grotesque, but other than the beating of several snakes, the majority of violence portrayed is done so off screen. One particular effective scene involves Asa as she fends off the unwanted advances of Takeo. Having been tricked into isolating herself on a country road, Takeo chases her like a cat playing with a mouse. Only for the chase to end as Takeo throws her in the bushes, to take advantage of her, hidden just out of sight. The scene is then followed by one of Asa left outside, for dead, where a lighting bolt splits a tree next to her collapsed body. As if her anger had collected and poured down from the heavens. The tree, split in half, then reveals a snake.
The ghost themselves haunt their victims merely by being in their presence. They never have any direct contact with the Onuma family. Instead they simply let it be know that they are still around, letting the guilt boil within, to the point of madness. This is in striking contrast to more recent J-Horror ghost films, in which spirits present themselves by crab walking down a flight of stair as if they are auditioning for Cirque du Soleil.
Originally SNAKE WOMAN’S CURSE was scheduled to be released through Panik House Entertainment in partnership with Synapse Films, along with seven other films from Toei studios. Synapse has since stepped to the forefront of these releases, presenting them with the respect and quality that cult film fans have come to expect from Don May Jr. and Jerry Chandler. SNAKE WOMAN’S CURSE is presented with a new, fully restored, anamorphic widescreen transfer which maintains the films original 2.35:1 aspect ratio. Having been transferred in high-definition from Toei's original vault elements, SNAKE WOMAN’S CURSE DVD debut is virtually flawless. Colors are bright and clear, with only the crashing waves of the Toei logo having any visible darkening or grain. The Japanese language audio, presented in Dolby Digital mono 2.0, comes across clear with both the dialogue and soundtrack easy to follow and enjoy. English subtitles are legible and flow naturally.
An audio commentary from Japanese film scholar Jonathan M. Hall does a nice job of exploring particular meanings of certain images and characters as they pertain to Japanese culture and the social classes of the time in which the film is set. Although his monotone voice is a bit like listening to Ambien, he might put you to sleep. A biography of Nobuo Nakagawa and detailed liner notes by Japanese film scholar Alexander Jacoby do an excellent job of covering the history of Nakagawa's introduction to the Asian film industry and his collective works. Original Japanese theatrical trailer and Nakagawa poster gallery round out the extra features. The DVD cover itself is reversible, with a striking illustrative cover by Wes Benscoter on one side and the original Japanese poster on the other. (Jason McElreath)
This can take the form of illness, accidents, or even death. The curse is believed to be contagious, spreading from one victim to another like a venomous snakebite. Throughout history, the curse of the snake woman has been used as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of envy, betrayal, and the consequences of one's actions. It serves as a reminder that our choices and actions can have far-reaching consequences, not only for ourselves but for those around us. In popular culture, the curse of the snake woman continues to captivate audiences. It has inspired numerous books, movies, and works of art, each adding their own unique interpretation to the legend. The curse serves as a source of suspense and fear, tapping into our deepest fears of the unknown and the supernatural. Overall, the curse of the snake woman is a haunting and enduring legend that explores themes of betrayal, jealousy, and the consequences of our choices. Whether seen as a cautionary tale or a source of entertainment, the curse continues to capture our imaginations, serving as a reminder of the power and danger of the unknown..
Reviews for "Breaking the Curse: Is There a Way to Escape the Snake Woman's Clutches?"
1. John - ★☆☆☆☆ (1 star)
"Curse of the snake woman" was a complete waste of time. The acting was terrible, the plot was nonexistent, and the special effects were laughable. I couldn't help but cringe at the cheesy dialogue and unconvincing performances. I expected a thrilling horror film, but instead, I got an amateurish mess. Save yourself the disappointment and skip this one.
2. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆ (2 stars)
I had high hopes for "Curse of the snake woman", but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The story was confusing, and the pacing was all over the place. The characters were one-dimensional, and I found it hard to invest in their journey. While there were a few creepy moments, the overall execution left much to be desired. I wouldn't recommend it unless you're a die-hard fan of low-budget horror films.
3. Michael - ★★☆☆☆ (2 stars)
I was expecting a captivating and spine-chilling experience from "Curse of the snake woman", but instead, I got a bland and forgettable film. The plot lacked depth, and the scares were predictable and unimaginative. The CGI was poorly done, and it took away any potential for genuine terror. If you're looking for a genuinely scary movie, this is definitely not it.
4. Emily - ★☆☆☆☆ (1 star)
"Curse of the snake woman" was a disappointment on multiple levels. The story was clichéd, and I found myself guessing every twist before it happened. The dialogue was cringe-worthy, and the characters lacked development. The special effects were laughable and took away from any potential for fear. Overall, I regret wasting my time on this forgettable and poorly executed film.