Good concept, poorly executed.

Best movie ever!

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

After starting my out-of-sequence watch through of the Masters of Horror series with Jenifer (which was a bit of a disappointment), I decided to go all out and watch Imprint next. Having just seen Audition (1999) last night, I guess you could say I was feeling ambitious.And just...wow.Wow.I would be lying if I didn't admit that I had to pause this a few times and come back to it. It was visceral and uncomfortable and wild, with a torture scene that, in my opinion, was a little harsher than the notorious acupuncture scene in Audition. The plot was surprisingly solid for an hour-long television episode (would-be television episode, I guess I should say), but then I think a great deal of that has to do with the fact that this was based on a preexisting written work; I would be interested in reading the source material sometime.Billy Drago's performance was a bit lackluster, and it seemed clear that he was cast because of his looks and reputation rather than talent. That did take away from the outermost part of the frame tale, but all of the flashbacks were sound, and I was especially intrigued by Miike's use of colors. It was admittedly a bit ham-handed at times, but an interesting choice nonetheless.I would rate this higher, but it does lack the cinematic finery of Miike's previous work, Audition, but scaled up on the shock value, which did feel out of balance and a little forced. However, despite its flaws, I liked it, and between this and Audition (1999), I nervously await the opportunity to see more of Miike's work.

If there's anything that holds Takashi Miike back, aside from being banned from American Television. Is that had they got a more competent Western actor, and the Japanese cast spoke Japanese. "Imprint" could have easily received a higher rating and set a new "benchmark" for TV horror.Sadly censorship from air has hindered it, but the fans can find it part of the "Masters of Horror" home release. Miike thought he was working well within the limits, but I do admit seeing foetuses being chucked down a river is pretty vivid stuff that we've come to expect from this director. All I really wanted to say is that Mr. Takashi gets his 60 minutes and doesn't waste a single one. Fans of his films can expect these ridiculous levels of violence, and though it somewhat lacks a moral statement or representing theme. A little more polish could have instantly made this all the more memorable.Final Verdict: If you're a fan definitely seek it out, it's pretty fun to gross people out when discussing it. 7/10.

Whilst I'd be the first to admit that some scenes in this film were hard to watch, it in no way detracts from the masterful story-telling that is the foundation of Takashi Miike's work. As well as being terrifying to the extreme, Imprint is also sad, moving and above all fascinating as each time the prostitute, played by Youki Kudoh, retells her story, a little more of the truth is revealed. Kudoh's performance is simply amazing and any other actress would have probably ruined the film. Billy Drago also turns in a fantastic performance in his role of Christopher, a hapless man searching Japan for his lost love Kimomo. The imagery in this film is unique to say the least, with historical accuracy taking a back seat to unique and striking visuals, such as the bright red hair of all the prostitutes as well as the vibrant blue hair of the nameless prostitute played by Kudoh. Such hair colours where not available to Japanese women in the time frame the film is set in (1900's?). However, this definitely works to the film's advantage, creating a surreal and fantastic environment where a story such as this one doesn't seem so unbelievable. Also, if you love a movie with a big twist, this one is for you. There are several twists throughout, but the big one towards the end is a killer (literally). Whilst riddled with extreme blood and gore, this aspect of the film is for once a necessary and important part of the film, explaining how this young woman became the person that she is. I highly recommend this movie, but if you're squeamish or find extreme torture unbearable to watch then I advise you to run a mile from this one. Also, look out for the dwarf who's nose is falling apart from syphilis. His bizarre behavior during the torture scene is perhaps the most disturbing part of the whole film. 10 stars!!!

In the Nineteenth Century, in Japan, the American journalist Christopher (Billy Drago) is traveling through the country searching Komomo (Michie), the missing love of his life that he had abandoned years ago promising to come back to her later. He arrives in a shadowy island inhabited by whores and caftans, where he has an encounter with a deformed prostitute that tells that his beloved Komomo had passed away. He drinks sake with her and later he asks the woman to tell the story of her life. The prostitute discloses a dark and cruel story about her life and the sad fate of Komomo.The macabre "Imprint" is another disturbing and brutal movie of Takashi Miike. Using magnificent camera-work and impressive make-up in an awesome atmosphere, "Imprint" approaches gruesome and gore theme like abortion, fetus, incest, torture, perversions and abuse along 63 minutes running time of pure and sick horror with many twists. I confess that I felt uncomfortable and disturbed with the sadistic sequence of the torture of Komomo. Takashi Miike really honors the title of this series, being a Master of Horror. My vote is eight.Title (Brazil): "Marcas do Terror" ("Marks of the Terror")