While it may not achieve a major pinnacle of horror, the story is filled with disquieting imagery of the sort that surely would have haunted my nightmares had I seen this when I was a child, and sharp dynamics that maintain fraught, discomforting tension. Watching as an adult there's much more to appreciate on deeper levels - like Akira Uehara's lush, vibrant cinematography, the first element of the picture to truly catch one's eye, or the splendid production design and art direction. All the work that went into realizing the abnormal aspects is terrific, including excellent effects that to me seem to match or exceed what Hollywood was turning out in the same timeframe. The costume design, hair and makeup, creature effects, and editing, all directed to the same ends, are just as swell. And tied together with a slew of good performances, and Noriaki Yuasa's capable direction, the result is a finely made picture that's compelling and satisfying. While the genre sensibilities on display here may not be as robust as what modern viewers may be accustomed to, 'The snake girl and the silver-haired witch' is still a lot of fun!
One recognizes a kinship with other narratives of a similar nature: from fairy tales, to Italian horror and giallo, to more recent features of dark fantasy or horror revolving around strained and harmful family dynamics, and outside forces that require a united front to oppose. Why, it's easy to think that Guillermo del Toro may well have found inspiration from this title. With that awareness the movie becomes easier to engage with, not least as the plot takes its time to come into definitive focus, and feels a little forced as it's revealed mostly through dialogue that as it presents is less than perfectly clear. There's a lot going on here, as a matter of fact, and I rather think the picture would have benefited from tighter narrative writing to let its value shine through all the more. Even at that, however, Kimiyuki Hasegawa's screenplay is wonderfully strong, with characters of distinct personality and complexity, tense dialogue, and rich and powerful scene writing. That the plot itself could have stood to be firmed up is a little unfortunate, but ultimately the weakness seems minor in light of how grim and absorbing the picture becomes, even such as it is.
The climax is especially well done, inculcating a sense of thrills as all the mounting tension is released in a sustained heavy flow. Through it all Yachie Matsui gives a great performance as protagonist Sayuri, demonstrating able skill for one so young, and among others Mayumi Takahashi also stands out with the fierce display she puts on as Tamami. All the contributions of the crew behind the scenes are super, the film-making fundamentals are impeccable - from top to bottom 'The snake girl and the silver-haired witch' is unexpectedly engrossing and rewarding, a viewing experience rather surpassing the assumptions one may tend to have of horror flicks generally, let alone those of the mid-twentieth century which often carry different notions thereof. This may not appeal to all comers just as a matter of personal preference, but I'm pleased with how enjoyable and well-rounded this is when all is said and done, and I happily give it my enthusiastic recommendation!
