Rampo (1994)

Edogawa Rampo is a writer whose latest work is censored by the government, deemed too disturbing and injurious to the public to be allowed to be published. However, after burning his drafts... See full summary »

Directors:

Rintaro Mayuzumi, Kazuyoshi Okuyama

Writers:

Rampo Edogawa (story), Yuhei Enoki

Stars:

Naoto Takenaka, Michiko Hada, Masahiro Motoki

4 wins & 10 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Masahiro Motoki	...	Kogoro Akechi
Naoto Takenaka	...	Edogawa Rampo
Michiko Hada	...	Shizuko
Teruyuki Kagawa	...	Masashi Yokomizo
Mikijirô Hira	...	Marquis Ogawara
Shirô Sano	...	Officer
Ittoku Kishibe	...	Cafe owner
Nekohachi Edoya	...	Antique shop owner
Jun'ichi Takagi	...	Fujimori
Charlie Yutani	...	Driver
Kirin Kiki	...	House wife / Head of maid
Julie Dreyfus	...	Mademoiselle
Yoshio Harada	...	Big Star
Kinji Fukasaku	...	Film Director
An Actor	...	Movie Actor

Storyline

Edogawa Rampo is a writer whose latest work is censored by the government, deemed too disturbing and injurious to the public to be allowed to be published. However, after burning his drafts, his publisher shows him a newspaper with an account of events just like his forbidden story. As the film progresses, fantasy and reality intermingle in a tale that draws heavily on influences from Poe and Stoker's Dracula. The film's strongly Expressionistic direction skillfully combines a variety of media (animation, computer-generated imagery, grainy black-and-white fast film stock, color negatives) for artistic effect.

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Plot Keywords:

character name as title | surname as title | one word title | writer | part animation | 

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Taglines:

So provocative the censors banned it, so powerful it came true.

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for images of bizarre sexuality

Did You Know?

Trivia

The studio issued two versions of this film following a falling out between the director and producer.

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Alternate Versions

Kazuyoshi Okuyama hired Rintaro Mayuzumi to direct this movie and then was not pleased with the results. Okuyama personally reshot about 40% of the movie, re-edited the existing footage and added many surreal elements. There are 6 noteworthy differences between the versions.

• Bruce Joel Rubin narrates a new introduction in English.
• Animated short film by Yasuhiro Nagura inserted.
• Show business party added as new beginning.
• Original soundtrack was removed.
• Subliminal frames are edited into footage of the Count's mansion.
• Special musk fragrance was sprayed in theaters before each showing

User Reviews

A great movie but not for everyone...

This was a wonderful movie, but a bit slow in parts. The beginning tricks you to believe that its a normal movie yet the second half picks up and captivates you till the credits roll.

In all honesty I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone expecting a lot of linear plot action. This movie is for your imagination and that is half the beauty of it. I liked this movie but i recommend watching it with a friend so you have someone to discuss it with when its over, as it can be very confusing in many (if not all) parts.

I give this movie an 8, although it could have been better. Watch it and see for yourself what I mean...

Details

Country:

Japan

Language:

Japanese

Release Date:

19 May 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Mystery of Rampo

Box Office

Gross USA:

$305,434

Company Credits

Production Co:

Daiwa Building, Daiwa Securities Group, Obayashi Corporaion

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color