This paper deals with “monster cat” films, a category of horror film in Japan, by analyzing Hiroku kaibyoden or Monster Cat Mystery, one such film. In general, a “monster cat” film is a story where a human takes the form of a cat or vice versa. In addition, in most of the stories, the cat revenges the barbaric death of her owner. Because “monster cat” films outnumber all other story lines in Japanese horror, they were obviously very popular with the public. However, “monster cat” films are regarded by some with disdain and valued less than other film types. This is evident in the fact that an actress who played the role of monster cat was disdainfully called a "monster cat actress" and her film itself regarded as having no artistic value, as just a copy of a kabuki play. Consequently “monster cat” films have never been subject to study. After 1975, “monster cat” films were no longer produced.
However, the author found that Hiroku kaibyoden is different from “monster cat” films in general, because the film seeks an affiliation between the cat and the woman. Such an attempt is much different from other works in which actresses are treated as an object of fear. This research aims to identify the differences between Hiroku kaibyoden and other films of this type by focussing on the connection between the woman and the cat in the film and in original monster cat images in kodan (Japanese story telling) or kabuki stories. It will reveal how such differences effect the film. Objective analysis is attemped according to the film story.
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