Tomie: Replay

TOMIE: REPLAY is the third instalment of this manga-based series about a girl who keeps coming back from the dead. The first film, TOMIE, was very much a unique, weird movie with an atmosphere all its own, while the lamentable shot-on-video sequel, TOMIE: ANOTHER FACE, isn't even worth mentioning. The good news is that TOMIE: REPLAY is on much stronger ground, similar in many aspects to the first film but with a more involved storyline.

The horror in this film is far more visceral, with plenty of disturbing imagery. There are body parts galore, as well as scenes of violent murder and just plain weird stuff going on (the opening sequence, in which doctors performing a Caesarian discover a woman's head instead of a baby, is difficult to forget). There are more cast members here, from mad doctors to dedicated daughters and the usual rote of young menfolk who find themselves obsessed with the spectral Tomie.

The pacing is slow and the tone subdued for the most part, and if you're looking for well-developed ghost sequences a la RING or THE GRUDGE, then you've come to the wrong place. If, however, you're in the mood for a one-of-a-kind cult oddity then the Tomie series might just be for you.

1. The third installment of the Tomie film series. I saw this on YouTube and the quality was stellar for a 2000 film. Probably it was a restoration copy by a distribution company.

As for the film, I loved the whole atmospheric vibes, likable characters and the kawaii girls.

2. The third installment of the Tomie film series. I saw this on YouTube and the quality was stellar for a 2000 film. Probably it was a restoration copy by a distribution company.

As for the film, I loved the whole atmospheric vibes, likable characters and the kawaii girls.

3. The third installment of the Tomie film series. I saw this on YouTube and the quality was stellar for a 2000 film. Probably it was a restoration copy by a distribution company.

As for the film, I loved the whole atmospheric vibes, likable characters and the kawaii girls.

Tomie: Replay is the best entry in the franchise up to this point. It doesn't have the weird atmosphere and mysterious soundtrack of the first film but a much better story and quicker pace. It doesn't have the second film's concise diversity but offers more profound characters and events.

The movie revolves around a hospital where Tomie is born from the womb of a child due to a kidney transplant from another Tomie when the child was born. Since her birth, numerous nurses have quit their job, doctors have gone insane and the director has mysteriously disappeared. The film follows the director's daughter who wants to find out what happened to him as well as a young man who has noticed a change in his friend's behaviour since he started dating a former patient of the hospital. Their paths cross on several occasions and they decide to collaborate to uncover the hospital's bleak mysteries.

If compared to the first two films that were entirely atmospheric, Tomie: Replay actually has a few truly scary moments. The franchise's weird atmosphere is still present thanks to great light and sound effects. The characters have more depth and development than usual. The strongest point of the movie is the story that shifts and turns here and there but is overall logically structured and easy to follow with solid pace and without any unnecessary lengths.

The only thing I'm missing here is the gloomy soundtrack from the first film that gave it such a unique atmosphere. If the soundtrack were more efficient, Tomie: Replay would not only be a very good horror movie but an excellent one.

The franchise certainly redeemed itself after the rather forgettable Tomie: Another Face with this strongest entry in the franchise so far. Since all movies tell independent stories, you might as well start discovering the franchise with this highlight. If you like mysterious horror movies that focus on atmosphere rather than gore, you will certainly appreciate this film that is best enjoyed on a cold and dark winter night.

This delves more into the realm of Junji Ito's Tomie.

Tomie: Replay doesn't waste any time placing you into the world of one persistent femme fatale. As a whole, the movie works great with a mix of quick frights and as a screechingly, effective head trip. The acting is great and it's a guilty pleasure watching people becoming gradually trapped in Tomie's quagmire of madness. Just watch Takeshi who shines in any scene at his apartment. Kudos to Sayaka Yamaguchi for her portrayal of Yumi who is one tough cookie (she screams well, straight from the diaphragm!). Note how characters' mental breakdowns range from hushed, vacant tones to high pitched shrieks of insanity. This does well at keeping the story not wholly predictable. There is a 'Tell-Tale Heart' syndrome in the story where you wonder if it's the guilty conscience at work or Tomie herself (or BOTH!!).

The spooky soundtrack and sound effects are key. One scene, there will be birds chirping in the countryside suddenly interrupted by breaking glass, loud moans, or a hacksaw cutting away. Some of the scenes look amazing (one reason for my enjoyment of foreign films). This includes Yumi's home with a wooden finish overlooking the city, the bus ride with a cliffside view, and an ominous staircase.

Tomie: Replay's definitely my favorite out of the series.

I must say, I've seen almost all of the Tomie films and I like this one better. Once i see Re-birth that's them all. it's more accurate to the manga and Tomie is very true to the comic, and for a change she is more beautiful than the heroine (which is the whole point of the manga).

She works her magic with the male character's identically with the manga, and they even include her getting cut up. The scene at the beging was lifted straight from the manga, making it in my opinion a better film. Although i do recommend knowing Junji Ito's art before watching the films.