Masters of Horror: Takashi Miike: Imprint (2005)

               Imprint                

NETFLIX SYNOPSIS:  Called “one of the most unsettling horror directors alive” by the New York Daily News, Takashi Miike lives up to that reputation with this disturbing shocker. An American journalist (Billy Drago) is searching for a prostitute in 19th-century Japan; what he finds instead is a deformed courtesan with a tale of unspeakable cruelty. Based on a Japanese horror novel, this presentation is the first uncensored version to be available in America.

REVIEW:  This was extrememly disturbing in both subject matter and gore.  The DVD has footage not shown when the episode aired on Showtime.  Not for the squeamish, and not the best introduction to the show.

3.5 stars
HAWK

Masters of Horror: Don Coscarelli: Incident On and Off A Mountain Road (2005)

          Incident on and Off a Mountain Road         

NETFLIX SYNOPSIS:  After a serial killer called Moonface kidnaps the seemingly vulnerable Ellen (Bree Turner), she’s taken to a remote woodland cabin and bound to the floor with a grotty cell mate (Angus Scrimm). But little does Moonface know that Ellen intends to survive … by any means necessary. Based on a short story by Joe Lansdale, this harrowing volume of Showtime’s “Masters of Horror” series comes from director Don Coscarelli (Phantasm).

REVIEW:  Just when you think it’s a typical cat-and-mouse slasher film, the plot hits you with a fun twist.  My favorite episode of MOH, along with John Landis’ Family.

4 stars
HAWK