The Black House

1999 | Japan | Colour | 118 min | In Japanese with English and Traditional Chinese Subtitles

Shinji Wakatuki (Seiyo Uchino), an introverted employee at an insurance company, who unexpectedly receives a troubling call from a woman inquiring if the company would pay out for a suicide. Concerned for her well-being, Wakatuki is taken aback when the caller asks for his name before abruptly hanging up. Shortly after, a client named Shigenobu Komoda specifically requests him for a home visit. Confused yet compliant, Wakatuki arrives at the Komoda household, only to discover that he is met with the grim reality of a child who has hanged himself.

Adapted from the novel by Yusuke Kishi, The Black House is a chilling psychological thriller that explores themes of death, despair, and the human psyche. The film’s dark subject is juxtaposed with vibrant colors, creating a cruel and eerie atmosphere. Shinobu Otake delivers a gripping performance, her character's unpredictable behavior heightening the film's tension. Yoshimitsu Morita masterfully adapts this bestselling novel about insurance fraud, infusing it with his signature black humor while addressing the misfortunes that accompany societal development. The film illustrates a disturbing reality where the assurance of death undermines the living's chances of survival, echoing a haunting prophecy of humanity's descent into madness.

Scenic Portraits of Family: A Selection of Works by Yoshimitsu Morita
As one of the pioneering figures of Japanese cinema in the 1980s, Yoshimitsu Morita (1950-2011) left an indelible mark on the film landscape with his distinctive style and techniques. His works, from stark modern portrayals to tender emotional explorations, still resonate profoundly today. Among his many talents, Morita’s remarkable ability to adapt literary works showcases his skill in bridging different eras, creating vivid landscapes through the interplay of text and film. The program, Scenic Portraits of Family: A Selection of Works by Yoshimitsu Morita, invites audiences to revisit the expressive cinematic universe of Morita through a curated selection of four films that focus on the theme of family. Each of these films, adapted from literature, presents diverse narratives that reflect the complexities of familial relationships and the human experience.

Born in Tokyo in 1950, Morita began his journey in film during his high school and university years, where he published film critiques and created 8mm films. His debut feature, Something Like It (1981), garnered critical acclaim, winning Best Film and Best New Director at the Yokohama Film Festival. The pinnacle of his early career was marked by The Family Game (1983), followed by notable works such as Deaths in Tokimeki (1984) and Main Theme (1984). His adaptation of Natsume Soseki’s And Then (1985) opened the door to literary adaptations, while Paradise Lost (1997), based on Jun'ichi Watanabe's novel, caused a sensation and sparked widespread social discussion. Morita continued to create acclaimed films, including The Black House (1999), Copycat Killer (2002), Like Asura (2003), and The Mamiya Brothers (2006). Unfortunately, Yoshimitsu Morita passed away in Tokyo in 2011 at the age of 61 due to liver failure, leaving behind a rich legacy of cinematic artistry.

Honkaz Fung (Curator)

Date and time
(1) 29 Nov, 2024 (Fri) 19:45
(2) 7 Dec, 2024 (Sat) 19:30 Ticket price
Regular: HK$95, MCL MAX Members: HK$85, Children / Full-time students / Elderly: HK$75

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