Curse of the God Dog (1977) User Reviews

Japanese cult classic from the '70s

[ebiros2 · 5/10 · 28 October 2012]

Made in the '70s when occult movies were in vogue in Japan. The style is carryover from the '60s movie, but the actors are all ME generation whom many are still active in the movie and TV industry.

Ryuji Kanou (Shinya Oowada) is an engineer from an uranium mining company who comes to a small village in Japan where he finds the uranium mine he's looking for. His company decides to mine the uranium, but the local god starts to kill all the people that are involved.

Word Inugami I think was popularized my notable Japanese science fiction writer Kazumasa Hirai in his Wolf Guy series novels. Inu is a dog, but Inugami can also be read as ookami, which can mean either great god, or a wolf. The story is a play on this word where a wolf god comes after the people who've destroyed its shrine and puts a curse (tatari) on them.

The production is good, but the style is dated by today's standards. The story as with many Japanese movies, doesn't run smoothly, and things happens rather abruptly, and randomly. First of all there's no central protagonist in this movie. One constant is the Inugami that's attacking everyone that it seem fit.

The movie probably has limited audience acceptance due to its heavily localized topic. If you're a fan of Japanese cult classics from the '60s and '70s, this probably will be a good movie to watch.

A Decent Supernatural Thriller with Flaws

[LeoFilmbuff · 6/10 · 3 June 2024]

"Inugami no tatari" (1977), directed by Masahiro Shinoda, is a Japanese supernatural thriller that delves into the realm of ancient curses and vengeful spirits. While the film has its merits, it also suffers from some flaws, ultimately earning a rating of 6/10.

The film's strengths lie in its atmospheric tension and eerie visuals. Shinoda effectively creates a sense of dread and unease, keeping the audience on edge throughout the narrative. The use of traditional Japanese folklore and mythology adds an authentic and chilling touch to the proceedings.

However, the pacing can be sluggish at times, and the character development feels somewhat lacking. The motivations of certain characters are not fully explored, leaving the viewer with unanswered questions.

Additionally, while the film's climax is intense and visually striking, it may feel abrupt or unsatisfying to some viewers, as if the buildup was not fully capitalized upon.

Overall, "Inugami no tatari" is a decent supernatural thriller that effectively taps into Japanese folklore and creates an eerie atmosphere. However, its flaws in pacing and character development prevent it from being a truly outstanding film. For fans of the genre or those interested in Japanese cinema, it may be worth a watch, but it falls short of being a must-see classic.

A Haunting Folklore Mystery

[devinder24 · 6/10 · 3 June 2024]

Inugami no Tatari (1977) delivers an intriguing mix of supernatural elements and traditional Japanese folklore, but it falls short in several key areas, resulting in a somewhat uneven viewing experience.

The film's strongest aspect is undoubtedly its atmosphere. The setting is richly detailed, evoking the eerie and mystical qualities essential to the story of the Inugami curse. The cinematography captures the haunting beauty of rural Japan, and the use of practical effects to depict the supernatural elements is impressive for its time.

However, the narrative often gets bogged down by a convoluted plot and uneven pacing. While the initial setup promises a gripping tale of vengeance and mystery, the story meanders, introducing numerous subplots and characters that dilute the central theme. This lack of focus can make the film feel disjointed, leaving viewers struggling to stay engaged.

The performances are a mixed bag as well. Some actors deliver compelling portrayals, effectively conveying the tension and fear that the Inugami curse brings. Others, unfortunately, fall flat, lacking the emotional depth needed to elevate the story.

Additionally, while the film's practical effects are commendable, some scenes come off as dated, and certain special effects may elicit unintended laughter rather than fear. This detracts from the overall tension and can pull viewers out of the experience.

Inugami no Tatari is an interesting watch for fans of classic Japanese horror and folklore, offering a glimpse into a unique cultural narrative. However, its flaws in storytelling and execution prevent it from being a standout in the genre.