A cult movie that exploded with creativity
It’s been 128 years since the movie was created. Someone once said, “Every movie is an imitation of some previous movie,” but I’m sure every filmmaker has a work that has influenced them, whether they realize it or not. . Whether it’s an imitation, an inspiration, or a tribute, there is a relationship with past works.
However, on rare occasions, I come across a film that is a little out of the ordinary and doesn’t resemble any other work. People call such films cult films, but what makes them cult?
This time, we would like to introduce you to a cult work that is tasteless, grotesque, and yet beautiful!
“November” (2017) November Running time: 1 hour 55 minutes / Poland, Netherlands, Estonia
See all images
“November,” which is currently in theaters, is a mysterious work with a surreal and mysterious worldview set in a cold village in Estonia.
“Day of the Dead” in November. The dead return to the village to visit their families, eat together, and take a sauna. While spirits, werewolves, and plague gods roam the streets, poor villagers use the brash spirits known as “Krats” to steal from their neighbors and do whatever they want to survive the bitterly cold winter. Meanwhile, Hans (Jorgen Riek), a young village man, is so in love with the daughter of the German baron who is the owner of the feudal lord that he makes a pact with the devil at a crossroads in the forest…
This animistic feeling is unique to Japan, such as the existence of spirits known as “krats” who always do work for their masters, and the custom of the dead dressed in white lining up to return to their villages on November 1st, All Souls’ Day. It is also compatible with indigenous beliefs.
Crats are made of things like cauldrons, axes, and skulls, and each one has a different appearance, and they work as agricultural tools or steal livestock and food from neighbors.
In other words, it is a custom to breathe life into non-living things and use them for errands, but sometimes snowmen are used as crats to borrow their wisdom. When Kratt had nothing to do, he would even spit in his master’s face, yelling, “Give me a job!” (lol)
The analog production (director: Reiner Sarne), which does not rely on CG but intentionally uses thin wires to control the Kratts, gives a certain sense of reality to the horror/fantasy. Furthermore, the monochrome footage (cinematography: Mart Taniel) perfectly matches the unusual and mysterious worldview. The fantastic visual beauty that makes you feel like you are dreaming is a must-see.