<p>Kairo </p>
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<p>A review by Jason Pitt </p>
<p>For Critical-Film.com </p>
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<p>“Kairo” is a startling example of what is great about foreign horror cinema - in particular, Asian horror cinema. Directors, such as KIyoshi Kurosawa, Takashi Shimizu, Ji-woon Kim, and Hideo Nakata, are all masters of their craft. They can create surreal imagery out of the most seemingly commonplace events. They rely on atmosphere to generate chills, as opposed to shocking the viewer, as is the more traditional American approach. They are seemingly capable of controlling the most primal emotions far more effectively than the best Hollywood directors. This is why I love and respect Asian horror cinema. </p>
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<p>“Kairo” is no exception. There are some intensely creepy moments throughout the first half of the film, which runs nearly two hours. There are also scenes in which nothing happens, yet Kurosawa's camera dwells on every dark corner, every unlit room, and every ghostly thought your mind can muster. He makes a point of even removing his camera from the action, in a slow pan, to darker areas and back again. It creates an instantly unsettling feeling in the viewer. A feeling of dread. While nothing has happened, we're certain something will. The first half of “Kairo” is dominated by this constant threat. When something does happen, it's much more unnerving, as the threat has been so prevalent. </p>
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<p>When the film passes its halfway mark, things change. The constant threat of horrible occurrences subsides, and Kurosawa reduces the horror in favour of further developing the plot. This is where “Kairo” sets itself apart from other movies of its kind. There is a plot here, and it's considerably more thought out than you'd expect. It's sets a (somewhat) logical explanation for the appearance of the ghosts, and goes so much farther in developing the affect these ghosts have on not only the central characters, but the world beyond everything that had been established prior. “Kairo” certainly has more ambition than your average horror film, and this is what sets it apart. The kick, however, is that this ambition, is very nearly fully realized. It's a phenomenal piece of filmmaking, regardless of genre. </p>
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<p>The most problematic aspect of the film, however, is not really a problem, per se. Many people will see “Kairo” as being overlong, and very deliberately paced. I am of the view that this certainly helps the film, as it allows for the audience to become more involved in the events occurring onscreen. However, many will not be able to tolerate the slow pace, and will fail to find the picture as involving as it should be. As much as I'd like to be able to recommend “Kairo” to everyone, as one of the most unknown, yet well-crafted and significant horror films in recent memory, I'll admit not everyone will find it as involving as I suggest. </p>
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<p>The other issue which often plagues the foreign horror market is the failure to explain well-enough the events that are taking place. While “Kairo” does a very good job developing plot, and breathing life into an original concept, it certainly has plot holes. Large ones. When the events begin occurring, our characters seem to have explanations based on little to no evidence. What's worse, is that these explanations are provided to the audience, in what I will refer to as point form. There is no detail to the explanations, which will leave you wondering from time to time, “I don't really know how they came to that conclusion”, or “I don't really get it”, or even “What the hell is going on?!?!” That last one, friends, is the kiss of death. The point when you've lost the viewer, and there's no bringing them back. I do recommend watching the movie more than once, as it will certainly help you piece it all together. </p>
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<p>“Kairo” is very highly recommended, based on sheer directorial skill from Kurosawa. While certainly not for everyone, I'd at least suggest that those not afraid of subtitles, wanting some emotionally involving horror, watch it. It's longer, but the payoff is well worth it, as the film will undoubtedly stay with you for a while afterward. </p>
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