In this book Richards focuses on the horror film and its influences on everywhere from Thailand to Japan to Korea to Hong Kong and more starting off with a chapter on how culture has influenced the different types of creatures and supernatural horrors prevalent in their films (which would be different from our own). The book takes its time touching upon the classics of each culture - such as Tales of Ugetsu (1953) or Kwaidan (1964) and Hell (1960). Every film of significance is given a thorough breakdown those that those interested in going out and finding them will know everything they need to about the film from the synopsis of the film and the cast and crew involved to background about the film and his “verdict” on the film which is how it has influenced culture and the horror genre as a whole.
There is plenty of space spent on the now classic modern films from these countries including Suicide Circle (2002), Ringu (1998), Tetsuo: The Iron Man (1988), A Tale of Two Sisters (2003), Mr. Vampire (1985), Dumplings (2004), Nang Nak (1999), Shutter (2004), Death Note (2006), Kairo (2001), and Battle Royale (2000), to name a few. There are tons of films discussed in the book along with the directors that made the films. There is also a section with pictures from many of the films as well.
Like other Kamera Books this book is put together very well and gives readers a good understanding of Asian horror films and their influence on the genre. Richards even goes briefly into how their modern day films have been influenced by the American horror film culture and he briefly touches upon the American remakes that have flooded the market (and continue to do so). This is a good book for beginners and one for those who want a grand overview of some of the most important horror films from these cultures.
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