New Story of Momotarô

About This Movie

So, here we have 'New Story of Momotarō' from 1909, a pretty interesting piece in the horror genre. The film has this eerie atmosphere that sets it apart, leaning heavily into themes of folklore and the macabre. You can feel the tension build throughout, even with the simplistic pacing typical of the time. The practical effects, while rudimentary by today’s standards, lend an almost hypnotic quality to the visuals. Performances are, well, what you'd expect for such an early film – a mix of earnestness and curiosity. What's distinct here is how it captures that early 20th-century fascination with horror through a Japanese lens, something not commonly seen in the era. And, of course, it’s one of those three films with the same title released in 1909, which adds a layer of intrigue to its history.

This film, part of a trio of similarly titled 1909 releases, is not widely available on home media, making it a conversation piece among collectors. Its scarcity speaks to its historical significance and the niche interest around early Japanese horror cinema. Many collectors seek it out not just for its horror elements but for the way it embodies the cultural storytelling traditions of its time.