Ah, the 70s. A time when flared jeans were all the rage, disco was king, and Japanese schoolgirls were being devoured by pianos and… watermelons? If you’re now questioning your grasp on reality, then you’ve probably never been graced by the sheer, unadulterated madness of the 1977 Japanese horror film, “House” (or “Hausu” for the purists).
Between the demonic house cat, flying severed heads, and piano-playing skeleton, every scene will leave you thinking “WTF did I just watch??” – but like, in a good way. House plays out like Alice in Wonderland on psychedelic mushrooms.
The Plot: A Summer Vacation Gone Supernaturally Awry
“House” is essentially about seven teenage girls, each named after their most defining trait (because why not?), who decide to spend their summer at an old, creepy mansion. But this isn’t your grandma’s haunted house story. No, sir. This house has a blood-spewing cat, a man-eating piano, and a penchant for turning visitors into, well, home decor.
Innocence, Identity, and… Being Eaten by Furniture?
Our delightful septet, with names like Gorgeous, Fantasy, and Kung Fu (because Melody was too mainstream), aren’t just there for comedic relief. They’re deep, man. Each represents the naivety of youth and the journey to find oneself. And in this house, that journey involves facing their deepest fears, which, for some reason, include being turned into a pile of mattresses.
World War II, But Make It Horror
Beyond the psychedelic visuals and comedic horror, “House” is a reflection of post-World War II Japan. There are subtle nods to the trauma of war, especially the atomic bomb’s devastation. It’s like the director thought, “How can I address the horrors of war? Oh, I know! A floating head and a carnivorous piano!”
Japanese Folklore: Because Every Haunted House Needs a Ghostly Cat
Drawing from the rich tapestry of Japanese folklore, especially the “Kaidan” genre, “House” incorporates classic elements like haunted houses and supernatural cats. But, of course, with its own zany twist. Because why have a regular ghost when you can have a dancing skeleton?
Sound and Fury, Signifying… Absolute Chaos
The film’s aesthetic is a wild ride. One moment, you’re bopping to groovy 70s tunes, and the next, you’re plunged into a world of psychedelic colors and distorted imagery. It’s like a disco party in a haunted house, with the occasional reminder of nuclear devastation. Groovy, right?
House is more than just a horror film; it’s a cultural, historical, and comedic masterpiece. It’s a movie that makes you question your sanity, your understanding of history, and your deep-seated fear of furniture. So, if you’re in the mood for a film that’s equal parts hilarious, horrifying, and historically insightful, give “House” a watch. Just remember to keep an eye on your cat… and your watermelon.
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