Our take
While based on the Mononoke series, which is in turn, a spin-off of Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales, it might seem that Mononoke The Movie: The Phantom in the Rain would require some background reading for people new to the story. Thankfully, there’s no need to do homework for this beautifully designed masterpiece, as the Medicine Seller takes on a new case with every installment. 2024’s Phantom in the Rain (also known as Paper Umbrella) unfolds its world with ease, with doors opening and closing to a select few for a high-pressure, hierarchical imperial household. Immediately, the visuals are stunning, with traditional ukiyo ink and paper mixed with modern kaleidoscopic fill and movement, but even without the gorgeous art, the first Mononoke movie works with its eerie horror, intense sound design, and a compelling mystery driven by court intrigue and vengeful spirits.
The story
In the chambers of the Edo harem, two newcomers uncover political intrigue, rivalry and a vengeful spirit only one traveling medicine seller can vanquish.
Japan, 1800s, Edo period. Two young women, Asa and Kame, work as servants for the Ooku, the women-only quarters of the Edo Castle. However, within the hierarchical and rivalry-ridden chambers lies a vengeful spirit, one hunted down by a mysterious man with a painted face, only known as the Medicine Seller.
The visuals are stunning, yes, but I love how easily they built up the characters of the two handmaidens, the way their story is a cyclical repeat of so many girls in the Ooku chambers, and the way the karakasa spirit is included.
Come for the pretty colors, stay for the supernatural palace mystery.
The details
Streaming arrival
Who picked it
Isabella Endrinal is a curator at A Good Movie to Watch. She's now free from the corporate night shift. Previous articles have been published in outlets such as NANG Magazine. She's currently catching up on some classic films… if she isn't coping with the fact that the Haikyu anime will end soon.
