Mansai Nomura is back again reprising his role as Abe no Seimei - an Onmyoji (yin yang master).
In the Heian period of Japan, strange occurrence is happening in the capital. A demonic entity is showing up eating parts of human it comes in contact with. Somehow, Fujiwara no Yasumaro (Masato Ibu), and his daughter Himiko (Kyoko Fukada) seems to be involved in the cause. Seimei goes out to find out the true identity of the demonic entity.
The story mixes ancient Japanese folk lore of sword that's been taken out of the tail of eight headed snake, and the gods who were with Amaterasu (Sun goddess) who is the chief goddess involved in the creation myth of Japan.
The movie is even better made than the first installment, and there're more suspense to the story. Seimei integrates to the action better in this movie as well.
Even without the background knowledge about the historic Japan, this movie can be enjoyed as period piece/action fantasy. It's a different kind of a movie from Japan that appeals to the international audience as well.
In the Heian period of Japan, strange occurrence is happening in the capital. A demonic entity is showing up eating parts of human it comes in contact with. Somehow, Fujiwara no Yasumaro (Masato Ibu), and his daughter Himiko (Kyoko Fukada) seems to be involved in the cause. Seimei goes out to find out the true identity of the demonic entity.
The story mixes ancient Japanese folk lore of sword that's been taken out of the tail of eight headed snake, and the gods who were with Amaterasu (Sun goddess) who is the chief goddess involved in the creation myth of Japan.
The movie is even better made than the first installment, and there're more suspense to the story. Seimei integrates to the action better in this movie as well.
Even without the background knowledge about the historic Japan, this movie can be enjoyed as period piece/action fantasy. It's a different kind of a movie from Japan that appeals to the international audience as well.