In Japan, there is a sub-genre of ghost films that are specifically related to Kaibyo or "ghost cats".
These films go all the way back to the 1930s, with Ghost Cat of Arima Palace.
But, obviously, the most renown of these is Nobuhiko Obayashi's Hausu.
Misumi, Shindo and Ishii also dabbled in the subject.
So it's safe to say that Nobuo Nakagawa's Black Cat Mansion isn't among the most popular example of this niche brand of Japanese folk horror.
But it's a pretty cool blend of samurai film and ghost story, with a great style, and some interesting special effects.
In Japanese folklore, cats are considered to be supernatural beings.
With ghost cats possessing the ability to shapeshift into human form; and manipulate both the living and dead.
In this story, we have the vengeful spirit of a cat, who has taken on the specter of an old woman...in a bid to avenge the murder of her beloved owner - a kind, yet stubborn, go expert.
The film effectively consists of two separate storylines that are interwoven together.
On the one hand, we have the spirit tormenting the sick wife of a doctor who has recently moved into the house haunted by the ghost.
While, on the other, we get the backstory of the ghost...and learn about why she is so hellbent on revenge.
With the whole thing having a sort of theatric kind of vibe (which harkens back to the kabuki theater influence on the genre).
It's definitely not as wild as a film like Hausu is.
But it has a solid story; great style; and cool effects, both on the creature, and relating to how it is able to manipulate the living people it has chosen to target.
Other than that, however, it's not particularly notable.
But it's very short...at around 67 minutes.
And certainly very watchable.
So it's well worth sitting through, particularly if you are a fan of Japanese, or folk horror films, in general.
5 out of 10.
