House

1977 | 87 min. | Director: Nobuhiko Obayashi | TVMA V
This satirical murder mystery pits a woman who is the epitome of glamor (played by Haruko Wanibuchi) against a clever murderer during a holiday stay at a strange ghostly mansion. Seven young women, who have chosen as nicknames the brand-names of much-advertised consumer products, begin to disappear in a decidedly suspicious manner. Are they fashion victims? How else can one explain the eerie coordination between their pastel outfits and the pastels of the rooms in which they appear? It is up to the heroine -- whose every screen appearance is heralded by special lighting, gentle breezes, and a soft camera focus -- to find out what is going on.

David Finn

Please tell me that this film either has an upcoming DVD release, or that it will be shown again on IFC. I expected nothing from this film - I figured it'd be a cheesy little gem that would give me a few chuckles. Instead, I was mesmerized by the sets, entranced by the characters, and I found myself giggling in delight as the final thirty minutes played out. I liken this film to Suspiria (in its fairy tale tone, brightly colored set pieces, and almost dreamlike narrative quality) and Miike's Audition (in that the viewer is lured into a sense of bored safety for the first hour before the surreal, delightful insanity plays out in the final third of the film). Thank you, IFC, for the opportunity to discover this wonderfully odd film.

parasols

When will this movie be shown again? I was pleasantly surprised by this film. I would love to see it again.

cultcine

You can buy a Remastered DVD from our website with excellent English subtitles. (Cultcine.com)

Dave S.

I have to see this again! I can't find it on any familiar movie websites.