Rampo Noir
乱歩地獄 / RAMPO JIGOKU
2005, 135min, Colour, 35mm, R21
Directors: JISSOJI Akio, KANEKO Atsushi, SATO Hisayasu, TAKEUCHI Suguru 
Cast: ASANO Tadanobu, NARIMIYA Hiroki, MATSUDA Ryuhei
Source: KADOKAWA PICTURES, INC.

This is an eclectic compilation of four stylistically different films, based on the masterpieces of great Japanese mystery writer, Edogawa Rampo (a pseudonym based on Edgar Allan Poe). These dark narratives, entitled Mars’ Canal, Mirror Hell, Caterpillar and Crawling Bug, are mysterious forays into grotesque and erotic fantasy worlds. The film features a talented line-up, including popular art house actor, ASANO Tadanobu and MATSUDA Ryuhei. This is decadent and ambitious art film is definitely not for the squeamish or faint-hearted.

Based on novels by Rampo Edogawa, a mystery writer of decadence and beauty, four directors direct short films of astonishing visual beauty: Mars Canal, Mirror Hell, Caterpillar, and Crawling Bugs about ultimate love and the abyss in our hearts

Mars Canal
Japanese Title: Kasei no Unga
Within absolute silence, a naked man wanders through a dark and depressing landscape recalling the excruciating details of his last encounter with his former lover.

Mirror Hell
Japanese Title: Kagami Jigoku
When a series of women are found dead with their faces burned and skulls charred, a young detective investigates, discovering that a unique hand mirror is always located at each of the scenes.

Caterpillar
Japanese Title: Imomushi
An amputee war hero returns home with no limbs and only his eyesight remaining. His beautiful wife, tired of taking care of him, turns to torturing her crippled husband for sadistic amusement.

Crawling Bugs
Japanese Title: Mushi
A sexy actress is returning home from a successful night on stage, when her limo driver decides that she should be coming home with him.

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