Look out there's a Samurai Werewolf on the roof...Huh??

KIBAKICHI review By Allen F.

Kyonsi is glad to see this DVD get an official US release thru MTI's newest SAIKO division. Kibakichi is a real treat combining the elements of a mixture of genres Old School J-Horror,Samurai,Fantasy, and Yokai Monster Mayhem. All these genres mold well together in this must see film.

Based highly on the legends of the Yokai Monsters of Ancient Japan. A segment of the Yokai definition given in the superb book "Asian Horror Encyclopedia" by Laurence Bush is as follows- Yokai : Japanese ghost, literally "bewitching apparition" as opposed to the more generic term for ghosts, yurei, which means spirit of the dead. Yokai can be a one of a variety of monsters, goblins or other creatures..

Having given that info back to the movie. Kibakichi is not only a wandering samurai he also is a Yokai Werewolf. His travels put him face to face with deadly opponents and an array of strange supernatural Yokai of other forms like deadly spider geishas and the sometimes clumsy water dwellers the Kappa's. The DVD is presented well with good picture quality, I saw the screener and its in english. It would be better in Japanese and the retail DVD has both Japanese and English Audio. I would like to see it in Japanese with the english subtitles next time.

Kibakichi gives us some violent fighting and dismemberment along with head munching and superior old school firepower. In a few spots the film slows down but the faster gorier parts make up for any lags. The makeup and costumes are cool although not of the highest tech they do convey the Yokai look of the older Yokai monster films. This is a entertaining film and Kyonsi recommends this DVD from Saiko/MTI. Be forewarned Yokai films are know to be a bit hokey at times but site back and enjoy the insanity.

Special Thanks to: Ed Baran PR