During the making of a low budget horror film, about zombies, the cast and crew are attacked by actual zombies…..
It’s funny how things work out. I had no intention of actually watching this film at FrightFest. Based on the brief synopsis above, which is similar to what the FrightFest guide said on the film, it didn’t sound promising. To be honest I’d gotten bored of zombie films. I felt horror had overused them recently. Another film being shown at FrightFest, Anna And The Apocalypse was also using zombies, albeit in a musical comedy, which I enjoyed a great deal, but even there I was torn between Anna and another film. In the end, Ann won out and I’m glad it did.
But getting back to One Cut Of The Dead, I actually thought of seeing something else instead. However, I couldn’t get a FrightFest passholder ticket for the other film, then name of which escapes me right now. But on Twitter, I was hearing a lot of good things about One Cut Of The Dead and so decided to get a ticket for the film.
And I’m glad I did as simply put, I fecking loved it!
In a way the synopsis above is all you need to know. There have been some reviews that have gone on to reveal what happens in this film, but I’m not going to do that. Watching the film knowing as little as possible is the best way to enjoy this film. From it’s opening, incredible 37 minute single take opening, to the final credits, this film will have you smiling and laughing throughout.
I’ve bemoaned how most comedies these days, fail to make you laugh. One Cut Of The Dead will have you laughing so much, you may actually have to see it more than once to catch everything!
Writer and director Shin’ichiro Ueda has made a terrific film. As I said, the opening is a one take 37 minute long sequence and Ueda stages it brilliantly. After this, the film settles down and Udea’s writing brings out even more of the humour in the film, leading to the final act where everything pays off and you not only laugh out loud (yes it’s that funny!) but want to cheer too.
The cast are terrific too, the standouts being Harumi Shuhama a former actress, married to the director, who gets too involved with her role and Takayuki Hamastu, who plays the director Higurashi, who’s motto is ‘I’m fast, cheap and average.’ Forced also to act in the film being made and he too gets way to into character, as he lets out his frustrations at his cast and crew. But the the truth the whole cast is superb.
One Cut Of The Dead is a true delight. It holds up to repeated viewings (I saw it again recently) and if anything is funnier the more you see it. I’m glad I took a chance on this film. Between this and Anna And The Apocalypse, my enthusiasm for zombie films has, if not fully restored, is certainly off life support.
If you can still get the chance, see the film in a packed cinema. If not, get some friends round to watch it when it comes out on DVD or Blu-Ray.
And get ready for one of the funniest films of last year.
Rating: ***** out of 5
