“Peony Lantern” (Botan Dōrō) is one of the most popular kaidan, or Japanese ghost stories, which has been made into films and stage plays several times. The story touches love and death in such a manner where a man is in love with a spirit.
Film Adaptation of 1968
The 1968 film Satsuo Yamamoto is remembered as one of the most defining adaptations. This version stands out because of its storytelling with critics praising the combination of style and atmosphere and is known with English titles such as The Bride from Hades and The Haunted Lantern.
- Director: Satsuo Yamamoto
- Cast:
- Kōjirō Hongō as Hagiwara Shinzaburō
- Miyoko Akaza as Otsuyu
- Mayumi Ogawa as the maid of Otsuyu
- Synopsis: Shinzaburo Hagiwara, a samurai in this romanticized tale, meets the beautiful Otsuyu during the Obon festival only to discover that Otsuyu is a ghost which in turn leads to a tragic romance between the two that occurs across living and the lifeless.
Cultural impact
This tale has become a significant story in Japanese culture, particularly Japanese folklore as well as associated with kabuki and cinema. It examines the effects of lovers in a supernatural perspective and society of the time with attitudes to death and life after death.
Need for the item
The 1968 film may soon be seen worldwide on a few streaming channels which specialize in Japanese movies. People in Delhi, India are suggested to look in Indian online streaming channels and Indian movie festivals.