After the dust up of Wuthering Heights by Emerald Fennel, I was made aware of a Japanese version from 1988, directed by Yoshishige Yoshida, and starring Yusako Matsuda, and Yuko Tanaka. Consequently, we now have a version of Wathering Heights that takes place on the smoky plains of a volcanic mountain instead of the moors of England. And the tension is between the divided house of the ruling clan of the area.
Everyone is somehow touched by Onimaru’s presence and propensity for violence, whether directly or indirectly. And by the end, his complete obsession with Kinu is the final straw that brings down the whole house on itself.
If you’re looking for a much more accurate representation of Bronte’s work, this production is most definitely the best direction to go in.
A warning, though. There are moments of very graphic violence in this production, including sexual assault, and an exploration of obsessive necrophilia. So viewer beware.
Rating: A
Level of Enthusiasm: %90
Currently available on Mubi
AloJapan.com