The zombie sub-genre has been one that was beaten to death over the last few years and I think the rise of ‘The Waking Dead’ had a lot to do with it. They became more mainstream than ever and even brands were cashing in on the bit. So it would take an innovated effort to create something in the sub-genre that truly stands out from the rest.
Enter director Shin’ichirô Ueda and One Cut of the Dead.
The film had made its way around the film festival circuit, including our very own Panic Fest, for the last couple of years and in all honesty seeing ‘One Cut of the Dead’ with an audience is the best way to experience it. It is just more fun in a communal environment seeing it for the first time. But don’t fret because Shudder has picked up the rights and you can own it now on the special edition blu-ray steelbook that has some really fun extras that include outtakes, POM! instructional video (you will understand when you see the film) and a pretty cool Go-Pro version of the film. Which only makes sense with the POV nature.
Written and directed by Shin’ichirô Ueda (Special Actors), the horror/comedy stars Harumi Shuhama (Ichigo no uta), Takayuki Hamatsu (Followers), and Yuzuki Akiyama (Kamen raidâ Jiô). The film is based on the play, “Ghost in the Box!” written by Ryoichi Wada.
At first glance it may not seem like a very special movie. Even after watching the trailer you may have initially skipped it and moved on. But it is the low budget aspect of this film provides the additional charm that helps play into why it is so good. In fact when you first start watching it the first act feels laborious at times to get through – but it is well worth the wait when all hell breaks loose.
While shooting a low-budget zombie film in an abandoned warehouse, the crew find themselves caught between actual zombies and a mad director who won’t stop rolling. If you think you know what happens next, think again. Filmmaker Shinichiro Ueda turns the film on its head more than once for one of the wildest, funniest, and most surprising zombie movies of all time.
While I would like to go a bit further in depth on the pros and cons of the film I would prefer audiences go into it as blind as possible to really get the full experience.
‘One Cut of the Dead’ rose to fame in the inner horror circles in Japan strictly on word of mouth and when it made its way to the US it was already becoming a cult classic. Not since ‘Shaun of the Dead’ has a zombie comedy film held so much weight and provide so many laughs.
So let me suggest you gather up a small group of friends and social distance because you never know if one of them have been bitten, and check out ‘One Cut of the Dead’ this weekend! You won’t be disappointed!
