Môjû tai Issunbôshi

I don't think this is quite as bad as some make out but compared to the original Blind Beast (1969) directed by Yasuzo Masumura this does seem somewhat crass. All the obsession, all the emotion and scary believability of the original is missing here. The whole 'tortured artist' theme is missing and the masseuse excuse at the start of the earlier film is brought in late in this one for exploitative reasons. Nevertheless, this is not without any value even if the 'shot on video' look can be dismaying. There is a large cast (of mixed acting ability!) and much more flesh on display here. I like the private detective (until his laboured and wretched denouement!) and there is some charm to the internal domestic detail and wonderful outdoor autumnal trees. Scraping the barrel a bit here though so lets just say interesting to compare and contrast with Masumura's very fine piece of cinema.