Watch Hanako: The Beginnings

Hanako: The Beginnings is a Japanese horror movie that takes its inspiration from Japanese folklore. Its story is centered on a cursed school toilet ghost named Hanako who allegedly lurks in the third stall of a girl's bathroom. The movie is directed by Yūya Yagira, who previously acted in 2004 Palme d'Or-winning film Nobody Knows.

The movie begins with the introduction of the two main characters, Yui and her best friend Yuri, who transferred to a new school. While exploring the school, they hear rumors about the school's rumored ghost Hanako. Although they're initially scared, the girls don't believe in the stories and dismiss them as mere rumors.

While using the toilet, Yui hears a strange voice coming out of one of the stalls. She investigates and finds nothing- but from that moment, the girls' lives forever change. They become plagued by strange occurrences and ghostly encounters as they try to uncover the truth about Hanako's origins.

The movie's plot is well-executed, and the pacing is just right. Gradually, viewers are introduced to the backstory of Hanako's curse, how it came to be and how it has affected those who have encountered it. The acting is top-notch, and the casting suits the characters' personalities.

The cinematography of the movie is also high-quality. The lighting, shot angles, and special effects are used carefully to create an atmosphere of suspense and horror that leaves viewers on the edge of their seats. The use of color is noteworthy and adds to the eerie atmosphere of the movie.

One of the best features of the movie is how it incorporates Japanese folklore into the story. According to legend, Hanako was a young girl who was murdered and thrown down the toilet in her school. She became a ghost that haunts the third stall of the girl's bathroom, waiting for someone to summon her. The movie intertwines this fable into a contemporary story, giving audiences a glimpse of Japanese culture and history.

The movie is not perfect, however, and it has some flaws. For example, the ending is a bit rushed and could have been developed further for more satisfaction. Also, some of the supporting characters only played a small role in the story, which could have been fleshed out to give more depth to the plot.

Despite these minor criticisms, the movie is a fantastic addition to the J-Horror genre. Hanako: The Beginnings offers a well-told story, excellent cinematography, and spine-chilling scares that will satisfy horror enthusiasts. The movie's incorporation of Japanese folklore and its ability to blend it into a unique and thrilling storyline shows the filmmakers' dedication to the art of storytelling.

In conclusion, Hanako: The Beginnings is a must-watch for fans of Japanese horror. The movie tells a compelling story that incorporates Japanese folklore and offers an eerie and suspenseful atmosphere that will leave you haunted even after the movie has ended. Although it has a few flaws, the movie delivers on all its promises and provides audiences with an excellent addition to the genre.

Hanako: The Beginnings is a 2011 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 8 minutes.