Demon Thistle

About This Movie

Demon Thistle is one of those rare gems, especially considering how much of Kinugasa's work from this era has been lost. The atmosphere is thick with the spectral and the surreal, typical of Japanese films from the late 1920s. Even in its fragmentary form, you can feel the pacing is deliberately slow, allowing the eerie themes to sink in. And then there's Chojiro Hayashi's performance, which hints at a raw, emotive talent that would resonate through Japanese cinema. The practical effects, though likely modest by today's standards, have a certain charm that speaks to the creativity of the period. It’s a piece of history that feels like a window into the past.

Demon Thistle is indeed a scarcity among film collectors, with very few fragments surviving. The film's format history is fascinating, as it reflects the transitional period in Japanese cinema. Given its limited availability and the historical significance of Kinugasa’s work, it holds a certain intrigue for those keen on exploring the lost works of the era. The curious collector will find it a compelling addition, if only for its glimpse into the evolution of cinematic techniques and performances in early Japanese film.