Toshiharu Ikeda's Shiryo No Wana came out of left field and conquered Japan's box-office back in 1988 with highly stylized violence resembling the works of Italian horror master, Dario Argento. The film's final act, however, was something straight out of a Cronenberg film, with the horror taking on a decidedly dark sci-fi tone. Shiryo No Wana 2: Hideki continues along this path, weaving a very dark and dreamlike tale of murder, madness and possession that would do Argento and Cronenberg proud.

Aki (Shoko) is an overweight and shy young girl who works as a projectionist at a small theater. Her high school friend, Eimi
(Rie) , an attractive and popular reporter, wants Aki to come out of her shell, and persuedes her married "boyfriend", Kurashi (Shiro), to seduce Aki. Aki wants nothing to do with the brash and overconfident Kurashi until she is haunted by spectre of a young boy named Hideki, who may or may not be working through Aki and causing her to commit a series of violent murders. Meanwhile, Eimi finds that she is pregnant with Kurashi's child, and grows spiteful toward Aki and Kurashi, whose own estranged wife also shares the visions of Hideki. What is the connection between Kurashi and Hideki, and why do all those around him become obsessed with this ghost of a child?

Shiryo No Wana 2 is equal parts gorefest (one of the bloodiest films I have seen, actually!) and psychological drama. It's ties to the first film begin and end with the Hideki character, who, for those who have yet to see Evil Dead Trap, is the "brother" of the original film's antagonist. Other than Hideki's inclusion, Shiryo No Wana 2 has nothing in common with it's predecessor, which may throw a few fans for a loop, but go in with an open mind and I guarantee you will find Shiryo No Wana 2 an extremely involving and original tale. The film combines the styles of Cronenberg, Argento, and even Lynch, and then adds a distinctive eastern flair that is unlike anything I have seen before. This is truly a lost gem!

Japan Shock Cinema's region free disc is available from HKFLIX.com for only $17.95 (Thanks Bill P.!) and comes very highly recommended. The picture quality is superb, as are the subtitles (which are often dodgy at best on many an import film! Witness the evils that are the VCD's of Audition or Ring!). There aren't many extras aside from a theatrical trailer, and a commentary would have been welcome here, but, for now, this is the best way to watch this fantastic film!

Fans of Asian horror, look no further than Shiryo No Wana 2 for your next purchase!!