Haku Chu No Torima (1966)
Directed by Nagisaa Oshima
Is there another serial killer film done from the point of view if the family of the killer?
Synopsis: Shino (Saeda Kawaguchi) and Matsuko (Akiko Koyama); the victim and wife of a suspected serial rapist and murderer (Kei Sato) join together to figure out how to stop him. Their only help out is Genji a wealthy politician (Rokko Toura) and an inspector (Fumio Watanabe).
More complicate then that, but couldn't say more and give away the important details of this peculiar change of pace from home invasion slasher films. It's told from the point of view of family and those benefiting from the individual perpetrating the crimes.
Shino's family livelihood is connected to rice farming. Without Eisuke her family is penniless. Matsuko is his wife and without her criminal husband she is homeless.
Matsuko tries to stop her husband by giving into Eisuke's fetishes, but it's not the same for him with a willing participant. Genji the politician is in love with Shino and will help her family, but she fears rightly his connection to her will lead to his downfall. In addition, Shino sadly is wrapped in a sadistic master and servant relationship with Eisuke who rapes her frequently and out of fear and necessity she says nothing.
All the while Eisuke is the noon day killer, being chased by Inspector Haraguchi.
None of the serial killings are shown, yet referred to, it is again the story of those who know a killer and suffer in silence.
I can't recommend this film enough. It's premise is horror, and I feel for a female audience it may be a terrifying dilemma, however, all genders should walk away with the same dilemma. What would I do if someone I benefit from is a killer? What if a horror premise was permitted realism and a dramatic turn?
I tell people... beware of golden anchors.
This film is all about that. Relationships where we accept too much from one benefactor. It makes us powerless.
The negatives I read on here are all based on artist choice. And the comment love has no rewards is given by a character who we should never take advise.
