Unlike its companion, In the Realm of the Senses, this film is wrapped up in a more conventional but ultimately more satisfying ghost story. Oshima's visual stylization is very effective at creating a spooky, moody atmosphere, although there are some silly moments. And his misogynistic side shows through, as Seki is seduced in a typically male fantasy version of rape. However, it's not a bad movie overall. As a psychological melodrama/supernatural horror flick, it performs well enough.

I'm shocked at how conventional this all is. Take your average ghost story, throw in some eroticism, and that's all folks.

In many ways I like this more than Oshima's 'Senses' - which is a necessary comparison. The Japanese (maybe it's Shintoism?) really do take their ghosts for granted: I love the way the cop is called to the town explicitly because the commoners see the ghost, and everyone treats the apparition as nonchalantly as the woman's supposed affair. The ending is ballsy and the equivalent of a punch to the face.

The policeman's terrible detective skills are only bested by Seki's lamentable mothering.