Producer: Takashige Ichise

‘Crazy Lips’ exists as a curiosity piece for people who adore bizarro Japanese cinema infused with nonsensical plotting and an abundance of sleaze.

Like the majority of Hideo Nakata’s work, ‘Dark Water’ proves to be more of a psychological entry into the genre rather than an all out gore-fest.

Chances are, if you’re a fan of Japanese war history or the Goemon legend, you’ll be pleased as punch with this update. Even if you’re not, Ninja action has never been so beautiful.

Not quite as tight and effective as ‘White Ghost’ but still a freaky little tale featuring a rather memorable exorcism scene.

If you think Japanese horror cinema is becoming mired in recently coined cliché, or you simply love being scared, the troubling, dreadful world of ‘Ju-on’ is required viewing.

While ‘Ju-on 2’ is another rewarding journey through a landscape of fear and loathing, now is the time for its creator to terrorise avenues new.

Well acted, tightly plotted and directed ‘White Ghost’ piles on the scares thick and fast cramming in an awful lot of ‘Ju-On’ ghost weirdness into its short running time.

‘Ring 2’ feels like more of a carbon copy than a worthwhile sequel and even Nakata’s knack for haunting imagery can do little to make it stand out.

‘The Princess Blade’ is a very average affair that is lifted by some standout moments of action and a strong leading performance from Yumiko Shaku.