Review: Japanese horror is truly a Pinoy-favorite in ‘The Forbidden Play’

What if you can call the dead?

That’s the question posed by the newest film from Japan, ‘The Forbidden Play,’ welcomed as the “scariest Japanese horror film of the year.” If you want something to spook you out with your family and friends — or if you are courageous enough to watch alone — this is certainly something for you, whether you are Japanese horror fanatic or not.

Starting with a sequence of lighthearted moments, this horror film rapidly escalates into a relentless barrage of spine-tingling jump scares. As if they were intended for the Filipino audiences, it is hard to let go of how frightening the jump scares are. These scary scenes are bound to send shivers down the spines of viewers throughout the Philippines.

As far as the advance screening by Viva International Pictures is concerned, the unpredictability of the terrifying sequences of ‘The Forbidden Play’ keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, making for an unnerving and heart-pounding cinematic experience that leaves you wanting for more — not knowing what comes next. With each successive scene, the fear intensifies, cementing this title as an exceptionally hair-raising and memorable horror experience on the big screen.

This film is based on the novel “Kinjirareta Asobi” by Karma Shimizu, first published in 2019. Critically acclaimed for its supreme depictions of horror, the novel now has over 100,000 copies published.

‘The Forbidden Play’ stars Hashimoto Kanna, one of Japan’s most in-demand actresses, as  Hiroko. Shigeoka Daiki, a member of male vocal group Johnny’s West, plays Naoto. This is his first-ever horror film. Singer-actress First Summer Uika makes a powerful impact as Miyuki.

From the director who brought us Sadako in the film ‘Ring,’ Hideo Nakata, ‘The Forbidden Play‘ is now showing in Philippine cinemas.

Thanks again for inviting us to the premiere night, VIVA International Pictures.