X-Cross: The Demon Village
X-Cross: The Demon Village (Japanese: エクスクロス 魔境伝説, Hepburn: Ekusu Kurosu: Makyo Densetsu) is a 2007 Japanese horror film directed by Kenta Fukasaku. The film is based on a novel by Nobuyuki Jpko and features a screenplay by Tetsuya Oishi.
Plot
The story follows Shiyori Mizuno, who travels to the remote hot spring village of Ashikari at the invitation of her friend, Aiko Hiuke, to recover from a recent breakup. Upon arrival, the pair encounters an unsettling atmosphere characterized by the presence of strange, one-legged scarecrows. Following a disagreement, Shiyori wanders off and receives a mysterious phone call from a terrified man warning her that the villagers intend to amputate her legs as part of an ancient ritual. Shiyori must then navigate the village to escape the inhabitants and uncover the truth behind their intentions.
Production and Release
The film was produced by Kentaro Koike, Shinzo Matsuhashi, and Masatake Kondo, with cinematography by Takashi Komatsu. It was distributed by Toei and released in Japan on December 1, 2007. The film has a runtime of 90 minutes. It was screened at the 2008 New York Asian Film Festival and the 12th Fantasia Film Festival.
Cast
- Nao Matsushita as Shiyori Mizuno
- Ami Suzuki as Aiko Hiuke
- Hiroyuki Ikeuchi as Keiichi Asamiya
- Shoko Nakagawa as Yayoi Tachibana
- Maju Ozawa as Reika Saionji
- Rikiya Koyama as Mononobe