Unlike Daiei Film's previous two 'yôkai' films (Yôkai hyaku monogatari (1968) and Yôkai daisensô (1968)), the monsters/ghosts/apparitions are not the central characters in this tale. Instead, we get a reasonably interesting samurai/gangster story about a crime boss trying to recover an incriminating document that was found by a little girl who is trying to find the father who abandoned her when she was born. The boss' henchmen kill an old man at prayer (the girl's grandfather), a desecration that arouses anger in the spirit world. The cursed gang-members are tormented by the yôkai as well as pursued by a rival gangster whose boss was murdered at the shrine. The entire supernatural subtext seems to be an afterthought and certainly is not necessary to the actual story. Lacking the permeating hallucinatory imagery of the first two 'yôkai' films, "Along with Ghosts" (Tôkaidô obake dôchû), while watchable, is not nearly as original or entertaining.
10 Reviews
Murder, vengeance and ghosts, oh my!
gedanielson6 January 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Yokai Monsters Along Came Ghosts is the third in the series. A poor grandpa gets caught in the cross fire between rival bosses. Nearly slashed to death he crawls off home. With his dying breath he hands his 7 year old granddaughter a pair of dice and instructions on how to find her father. She heads off to town with some guys chasing her. She's helped along the way by a nice kid and one of the men of the dead boss. It's a story of murder, vengeance and redemption. With ghosts. The film is more reminiscence of a Zatoichi movie, and not surprisingly. One of the two directors, Kimiyoshi Yasuda, directed some of that series. I enjoyed the movie but sadly there weren't enough monsters, especially after seeing Yokai Monsters - 100 Monsters. That's not a very serious complaint, although I wouldn't mind seeing YM - 300 Monsters. Maybe someone should get on that. I liked the little girl and the hero played by Kojiro Hongo. She was cute and he was heroic and valiant. The villains were your typical bad sorts whose fall is enjoyable. Eventually the good guys prevail and things are as good as you can expect in feudal Japan, by which I mean you aren't being killed right this minute.
Not remarkable, but still a fairly enjoyable watch
Jeremy_Urquhart13 January 2022
If I had to rank this odd little Yokai Monsters trilogy, I'd say the second instalment, Spook Warfare, was the best, followed by this one, followed by the still decent 100 Monsters.
This third one makes me wonder if it's even a trilogy, because the monsters here are definitely different than the ones from the first two, but oh well. While they're cool, they're also not in it a lot- maybe even less than the first one.
Thankfully, the rest of the movie - all the non-supernatural stuff - is pretty decent. Nothing great, but a moderately interesting storyline that feels like a historical/samurai drama with a few brief ghost appearances as icing.
It's pretty serviceable, mostly enjoyable stuff, but it's definitely not great. That being said, and to avoid being too negative, it is more than worth watching if you enjoyed the first two in any capacity.
This third one makes me wonder if it's even a trilogy, because the monsters here are definitely different than the ones from the first two, but oh well. While they're cool, they're also not in it a lot- maybe even less than the first one.
Thankfully, the rest of the movie - all the non-supernatural stuff - is pretty decent. Nothing great, but a moderately interesting storyline that feels like a historical/samurai drama with a few brief ghost appearances as icing.
It's pretty serviceable, mostly enjoyable stuff, but it's definitely not great. That being said, and to avoid being too negative, it is more than worth watching if you enjoyed the first two in any capacity.
A fair watch
Leofwine_draca11 May 2022
The closing instalment of the YOKAI MONSTERS trilogy is a very different beast, much more understated and subtle than the previous movies and more horror than fantasy. The monsters themselves are little seen here apart from in a couple of scare scenes but the rest is an engaging little story of criminal behaviour, treachery, and heroism. Appealing child actors, lots of action and movement and attention to detail make this a fair watch.
A little unfocused, but well made generally, and a good time overall
I_Ailurophile15 September 2023
'100 monsters' was an enjoyable, well made horror film that struggled somewhat with a lumbering pace. 'Spook warfare,' or 'The great yokai war,' was a surprisingly entertaining blend of dark fantasy and horror with a more playful levity. With the same folks behind these returning for the third entry in the series we are assured of the same level of quality, and the only question is what tone the tale will strike. As the title begins I think it becomes evident fairly quickly that it leans more toward the plainly serious side of things, like the first film, albeit while bearing remnants of the lighter edge seen in the second. 'Along with ghosts' sees the somber side borne out through a more substantial plot that carries harsh undertones, while the gentler side is seen in the sense of adventure characterizing the narrative as Miyo and Hyakasuro travel the countryside, and in the role of the titular spirits in serving as protectors of the land after a fashion. There's definitely a broad mix of flavors here, but I don't think there's much arguing that the picture's worth speaks for itself. Like its predecessors this may not demand viewership, but it's well deserving on its own merits.
It's very noteworthy that in this case the focus on plot and adventure translates to a little more of a straightforward period piece, with more action centering human characters and less emphasis on the yokai. The supernatural element doesn't even meaningfully crop up until a little less than halfway through, and still only arises only in fragments. Be that as it may the overall thrust of the proceedings remains, and the result is highly enjoyable. The sets are gorgeous and filled with outstanding detail; the filming locations are beautiful as we get select eyefuls. The stunts, effects, and action-oriented moments all look terrific - and once the fantasy rolls around, the imaginative puppetry and costume design are a delight. Meanwhile, Tetsuro Yoshida penned a compelling story of criminals roaming the countryside and a young girl seeking her father, and there's some especial small brilliance in the scene writing to consistently provide bursts of invigoration, including delicious tinges of horror. The direction and cinematography both reflect keen intelligence in capitalizing on all the minutiae in a given moment and making each as meaningful as they could be, and the cast likewise give admirable performances to bring the saga to vibrant life.
I do think there's an argument to be made that 'Along with ghosts' is marginally more scattered than its antecedents simply owing to the variety of aspects there are to the narrative. Effectively produced alongside the previous two films in Daiei's 'Yokai monsters' trilogy, there's no mistaking that the entities are reduced to supporting characters this time around, and mostly quite minor ones for that matter until the climax. Even setting that aside, there's a marked variability in tone here, with major facets of drama, action, horror, adventure, and humor cropping up in turn. Still, a complete narrative is imparted, and it's absorbing and satisfying when all is said and done. To whatever extent there are imperfections here, they are outweighed much more than not by the earnest skill, care, and intelligence that was poured into every corner. The end result may have benefited from more focus, but even as it stands this 1969 movie is really fun, and its strengths - including even the less prominent horror - outshine its weaknesses. It's not a feature one needs to go out of their way to see, but if you do have the chance to watch Along with ghosts' is a good time all on its own and earns a solid recommendation.
It's very noteworthy that in this case the focus on plot and adventure translates to a little more of a straightforward period piece, with more action centering human characters and less emphasis on the yokai. The supernatural element doesn't even meaningfully crop up until a little less than halfway through, and still only arises only in fragments. Be that as it may the overall thrust of the proceedings remains, and the result is highly enjoyable. The sets are gorgeous and filled with outstanding detail; the filming locations are beautiful as we get select eyefuls. The stunts, effects, and action-oriented moments all look terrific - and once the fantasy rolls around, the imaginative puppetry and costume design are a delight. Meanwhile, Tetsuro Yoshida penned a compelling story of criminals roaming the countryside and a young girl seeking her father, and there's some especial small brilliance in the scene writing to consistently provide bursts of invigoration, including delicious tinges of horror. The direction and cinematography both reflect keen intelligence in capitalizing on all the minutiae in a given moment and making each as meaningful as they could be, and the cast likewise give admirable performances to bring the saga to vibrant life.
I do think there's an argument to be made that 'Along with ghosts' is marginally more scattered than its antecedents simply owing to the variety of aspects there are to the narrative. Effectively produced alongside the previous two films in Daiei's 'Yokai monsters' trilogy, there's no mistaking that the entities are reduced to supporting characters this time around, and mostly quite minor ones for that matter until the climax. Even setting that aside, there's a marked variability in tone here, with major facets of drama, action, horror, adventure, and humor cropping up in turn. Still, a complete narrative is imparted, and it's absorbing and satisfying when all is said and done. To whatever extent there are imperfections here, they are outweighed much more than not by the earnest skill, care, and intelligence that was poured into every corner. The end result may have benefited from more focus, but even as it stands this 1969 movie is really fun, and its strengths - including even the less prominent horror - outshine its weaknesses. It's not a feature one needs to go out of their way to see, but if you do have the chance to watch Along with ghosts' is a good time all on its own and earns a solid recommendation.
The best film of the yokai trilogy.
BA_Harrison2 January 2024
The first yokai movie, 100 Monsters, didn't have enough monsters for my liking, and the second film, The Great Yokai War, featured a pair of irritating kids and was aimed at a much younger audience. The final film, Yokai Monsters: Along with Ghosts, doesn't feature many monsters AND it features a cute little kid, but I actually found it to be the best in the trilogy, with a much stronger story, better fight scenes and a creepier atmosphere.
When members of the Higuruma crime syndicate ambush men carrying an incriminating document, they also kill Jinbei (Bokuzen Hidari), the elderly guardian of the Onizuka shrine, ignoring his warning that they will be cursed for spilling blood on sacred ground. Witness to the murders is seven year old Miyo (Masami Furukido), granddaughter of Jinbei, who runs into the woods with the document, pursued by the killers. With his dying breath, Jinbei tells Miyo to go to Yui to find her father. Meanwhile, ronin Hyakutaro (Kôjirô Hongô) is out to avenge his master's murder by the Higuruma thugs.
Most of the film revolves around Miyo trying to avoid capture, her search for her father, and Hyakutaro's vendetta, with very little time dedicated to silly spook shenanigans, and to be honest, the film is all the better for it: there's no puerile comedy and the monsters, when they do appear, are far more menacing than before. I still wouldn't go so far as to say that this is an unmissable classic of Japanese cinema, but it is a far more satisfying film than the others in the trilogy, delivering excitement, danger, pathos and a cute child character that isn't annoying.
When members of the Higuruma crime syndicate ambush men carrying an incriminating document, they also kill Jinbei (Bokuzen Hidari), the elderly guardian of the Onizuka shrine, ignoring his warning that they will be cursed for spilling blood on sacred ground. Witness to the murders is seven year old Miyo (Masami Furukido), granddaughter of Jinbei, who runs into the woods with the document, pursued by the killers. With his dying breath, Jinbei tells Miyo to go to Yui to find her father. Meanwhile, ronin Hyakutaro (Kôjirô Hongô) is out to avenge his master's murder by the Higuruma thugs.
Most of the film revolves around Miyo trying to avoid capture, her search for her father, and Hyakutaro's vendetta, with very little time dedicated to silly spook shenanigans, and to be honest, the film is all the better for it: there's no puerile comedy and the monsters, when they do appear, are far more menacing than before. I still wouldn't go so far as to say that this is an unmissable classic of Japanese cinema, but it is a far more satisfying film than the others in the trilogy, delivering excitement, danger, pathos and a cute child character that isn't annoying.
It's an ok movie
Gravendal24 December 2022
Like said, it's an ok movie. It's decent and more of story rather then fights. It have a mixture of adventure and humor in it which i didn't mind at all. For being a supernatural/paranormal movie with japanese ghosts and demons it was not that much of it but it had its moments. But the story was ok, it had its twist and it build the characters.
I did enjoy the characters, how they acted and how it ended. The fights was ok, it's not a lot of them but i dont mind that at all when looking at the environments and building feeling of the country of Japan during the samuari ages.
If you want something with a lot of atmosphere, not too much fighting and some ghosts/demons this the movie for you. It's no the best one out there, but it's ok - enjoyable.
I did enjoy the characters, how they acted and how it ended. The fights was ok, it's not a lot of them but i dont mind that at all when looking at the environments and building feeling of the country of Japan during the samuari ages.
If you want something with a lot of atmosphere, not too much fighting and some ghosts/demons this the movie for you. It's no the best one out there, but it's ok - enjoyable.
Different from the first 2 movies
Angel_Peter2 January 2019
This is a movie about his an old caretaker of a shrine that gets killed during a gang ambush. His granddaughter that is 7 years old is the witness and may possess something the gang wants. So a hunt for the little girl starts while she travels to another town to try to find her father....
I found this to be an eerie combination of moody hauntings and dark forests, some quite okay fighting scenes, and a quite cute small girl. I found this movie closer to scary than the first two movies, even though you did not see the monsters so much. Camera work and story I found clearly upgraded from the two first movies. Acting was also quite good.
If you wants to see lots of monsters/spirits I would say the 2 first movies are more for you.
Who would I recommend it to? People that like supernatural things combined with some fighting. Though if you do not like 7 years old girls that is sweeter than sugar then it is possible you will hate it. The monsters are for me more scary and better than in the two first, but for our time expecting it to be true horror is maybe expecting too much. But I am happy I saw this movie as I found it much better than expected.
I found this to be an eerie combination of moody hauntings and dark forests, some quite okay fighting scenes, and a quite cute small girl. I found this movie closer to scary than the first two movies, even though you did not see the monsters so much. Camera work and story I found clearly upgraded from the two first movies. Acting was also quite good.
If you wants to see lots of monsters/spirits I would say the 2 first movies are more for you.
Who would I recommend it to? People that like supernatural things combined with some fighting. Though if you do not like 7 years old girls that is sweeter than sugar then it is possible you will hate it. The monsters are for me more scary and better than in the two first, but for our time expecting it to be true horror is maybe expecting too much. But I am happy I saw this movie as I found it much better than expected.
They should have made a hundred of these
BandSAboutMovies6 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The third and final Yokai Monsters movie, this time directed by Yoshiyuki Kuroda and Kimiyoshi Yasuda, takes us back to feudal Japan, where Miyo has discovered evidence that could stop the corruption in her town, but when her grandfather is murdered on sacred grounds, she needs the help of the Yokai.
Unlike the second movie - which is everything you want, as it is literally packed with monsters - this is more of a horror film, using the yokai in a more frightening way as they move into becoming the guardians of youth, which seems to be the fate of nearly every Japanese monster once the sequels start adding up.
It's nice to see all of the monsters when they do show, but after the delirious Yokai Monsters: Spook Warfare, this felt like a step backward. Not a bad step, but still not in the direction I wanted.
That said, the moment Arrow releases these as a boxset, I'm all over it.
Unlike the second movie - which is everything you want, as it is literally packed with monsters - this is more of a horror film, using the yokai in a more frightening way as they move into becoming the guardians of youth, which seems to be the fate of nearly every Japanese monster once the sequels start adding up.
It's nice to see all of the monsters when they do show, but after the delirious Yokai Monsters: Spook Warfare, this felt like a step backward. Not a bad step, but still not in the direction I wanted.
That said, the moment Arrow releases these as a boxset, I'm all over it.
This movie is outstanding and easily the best of the trilogy
kevin_robbins16 January 2023
Yokai Monsters: Along with Ghosts (1969) is a Japanese Samurai Horror picture that I recently watched on Shudder. The storyline follows an old man who protects ancient lands filled with spirits. When a group of hoodlums kill the old man the spirits return to reality for revenge.
This movie is codirected by Yoshiyuki Kuroda (Lone Wolf and Cub: White Heaven in Hell) and Kimiyoshi Yasuda (Zatoichi and the One Armed Swordsman) and stars Kôjirô Hongô (Satan's Swords), Bokuzen Hidari (Seven Samurai), Saburô Date (Bullet Train) and Ryûtarô Gomi (Harakiri).
This movie is outstanding and easily the best of the trilogy. The attire, settings, props and depiction of the era were all perfect. The haunting scenes are very well done with good use of smoke machines and eerie background music. The masks and makeup used are very well done. The fight scene are excellent and entertaining - both the monsters vs humans and the samurai sword fights. The faceless children were a nice touch and I loved the twist at the end.
Overall, this is an underrated addition to the horror genre and a trilogy absolutely worth your time. I would score this picture an 8.5/10 and strongly recommend it.
This movie is codirected by Yoshiyuki Kuroda (Lone Wolf and Cub: White Heaven in Hell) and Kimiyoshi Yasuda (Zatoichi and the One Armed Swordsman) and stars Kôjirô Hongô (Satan's Swords), Bokuzen Hidari (Seven Samurai), Saburô Date (Bullet Train) and Ryûtarô Gomi (Harakiri).
This movie is outstanding and easily the best of the trilogy. The attire, settings, props and depiction of the era were all perfect. The haunting scenes are very well done with good use of smoke machines and eerie background music. The masks and makeup used are very well done. The fight scene are excellent and entertaining - both the monsters vs humans and the samurai sword fights. The faceless children were a nice touch and I loved the twist at the end.
Overall, this is an underrated addition to the horror genre and a trilogy absolutely worth your time. I would score this picture an 8.5/10 and strongly recommend it.
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