Ghost stories first thing in the morning. Here I am again at MOVIX Kyoto. This month’s Tsuki-ichi Kabuki screening is NEW Cinema Kabuki “Yotsuya Kaidan” (Yotsuya Ghost Story). Is this really something to watch first thing in the morning? I did wonder, but kabuki at the cinema is always a treat. Inside, Kabuki Nyantaro was there to greet me again this month. So cute.
What Is NEW Cinema Kabuki “Yotsuya Kaidan”?
This “Yotsuya Kaidan” is a film version of the 15th Cocoon Kabuki production, staged at Theatre Cocoon in June 2016. Written by Tsuruya Nanboku IV, with direction, stage design, and film direction by Kazuyoshi Kushida. Running time: 118 minutes.
True to Cocoon Kabuki, which reimagines kabuki classics with a modern sensibility, the world of “Yotsuya Kaidan” unfolds in a slightly surreal way, with present-day Tokyo and late-Edo streets crossing paths. The original stage run apparently sold out instantly, so being able to watch it at leisure in a cinema is a real gift.
Tsurumatsu at Last, and a Brilliant Cast
What made me happiest, personally, was seeing Tsurumatsu Nakamura again after such a long time. Still adorable. It comes through loud and clear even on screen. And he will be back on stage at Heisei Nakamura-za in October. When the casting was announced, I did a little dance of joy. So happy.
Seeing Kamezo Kataoka warmed my heart too. And then there was Yasuyuki Shudo as Oshida Matanojo. He is a ballet dancer, so I found myself expecting him to dance, and was surprised, in the best way, when things went differently. Little surprises like that are part of the fun.
Kankuro Nakamura’s Naosuke Gonbei was so cool, and Shichinosuke Nakamura’s Osode was, as ever, simply beautiful. Honestly, the whole thing was just wonderful.
Senjaku’s Terrifying Oiwa, and a Stylish Stage
And then Senjaku Nakamura’s Oiwa. Genuinely frightening. I am still not sure whether watching it in the morning was a good idea (laughs).
The scene changes and the use of the stage were breathtakingly cool, with a fresh blend of contemporary music woven in. I would love to see more productions like this.
As you would expect from Cinema Kabuki, the varied camera work was a joy, and at the same time it made me want to see the whole stage in one view. If you have seen the stage production, the film gives you new angles; if you have only seen the film, it makes you long to see it live. That is the beauty of Cinema Kabuki, and its cruelty.
The ending left me going “wait, what just happened?”, which makes me want to see it again all the more. It has been ten years since the original production. Surely it is about time for a revival? Probably wishful thinking… but I want to see this on stage. Yes, I keep saying that (laughs).
A Comfortable Way to Use the Earphone Guide
This time I used the earphone guide. For Cinema Kabuki, you play the guide for “Yotsuya Kaidan” through a dedicated app.
I used my AirPods Pro 3. With noise cancelling switched off and transparency mode on, I could hear the film’s audio and the guide together quite naturally. The volume adjusted itself beautifully too. The trick, it turns out, is to cancel the noise cancelling (laughs).
If you have ever wondered how the earphone guide works at the cinema, I hope this helps. The guide really is handy. The commentary comes in at just the right moments, which makes everything so much easier to follow.
Final Thoughts
Ghost stories in the morning turned out to be rather good. Tsurumatsu after so long, Senjaku’s terrifying Oiwa, and a seriously stylish stage. By the time I left the cinema, all I could say was “I want to see this live.”
I will be waiting for that revival. Today was, once again, the very best.
