Ghost Master (2019)
Directed by: Paul Young
It’s like One Cut of the Dead meets the Evil Dead!
I recently discovered this film while browsing Tubi the other day, insomnia was keeping me up and I needed my Japanese cinema fix. This was a film I had heard nobody talk about or had read anything about online. A hidden gem, perhaps? Did a quick google search for some info on the film as I was not familiar with the director Paul Young, whose father is American and his mother is Japanese. Knowing a bit more I finally took the plunge and pressed play……
The film starts off with a camera crew filming a romantic drama in an abandoned school. We are introduced to a handful of over the top characters ranging from the diva-like lead actor Yuya, the quite but blunt supporting actress Mana, and the oddball second unit director Akira Kurosawa, not the real one but just in name. There are a handful of familiar faces in the cast including Yoshiyuki Morishita and Akaji Maro which made me feel at home. Mana played by Riko Narumi has an extensive filmography as well, acting in a few Takashi Miike films, a Sion Sono film and a short film by Noboru Iguchi.
As the movie begins Yuyu is not happy with the script and demands from his director a more passionate scene. Not getting what he wants he exits the classroom and production on the film is thrown into chaos. As the majority of the cast & crew begin to leave, second unit director Akira contemplates on a script he’s working on titled Ghost Master. Thinking he has the support of his producer he also wants Mana to be his leading lady, which immediately gets shut down as Mana refuses after reading the script. Torn by the rejection Akira steps outside only to find Yuya acting strange against a wall covered with bloody handprints.
Somehow the Ghost Master script made of paper has now transformed into a grotesque leather bound book and has taken possession of Yuya turning him into a super powered demon. All bets are off as the cast & crew succumb to Yuya’s wrath featuring a nice blend of practical effects and CG. The blood geysers and latex makeup were reminiscent of Yoshihiro Nishimura greatness while the CG was sometimes hit or miss but not terrible.
My favorite kill has to be when Yuya smashes the head of a fellow actress out of nowhere completely throwing the cast & crew into disbelief. Overall this film is a fun mixture of Noboru Iguchi-like zaniness, gore, comedy and over the top characters. The soundtrack was decent but nothing too memorable and the run time is easy to digest by not over staying it’s welcome.
I had a blast watching this and can definitely recommend it as popcorn worthy film. So do yourself a favor and check out Ghost Master (2019) it’s available to stream for free via Tubi.
-MY RATING-
7 outta 10
Ghost Master (2019) movie trailer
I hope you enjoyed this review, more content coming soon.
