Jigoku (1960)

In the vibrant and bustling Tokyo of the 1960s, we follow the life of a strikingly handsome graduate student, entranced by the daughter of his theology professor. Immersed in a world of intellectualism and spiritual exploration, he is forever changed after a chilling lecture on Hell's interpretations across various religions. This profound experience triggers a descent into a personal abyss, as he is unwittingly thrust into a world of moral turmoil and haunting guilt. One haunting night, he finds himself riding with a friend whose moral compass veers dangerously towards the sinister. Their joyride takes a catastrophic turn when they collide with a drunken yakuza, stumbling aimlessly on a shadowy side road. In a chilling act of recklessness, they abandon the wounded man to his fate, their decision casting a long, ominous shadow over their lives. The vengeful cries of the yakuza's mother and girlfriend echo in the aftermath, swearing bloodcurdling retribution. Our protagonist's life cascades downwards, caught in a relentless whirlpool of guilt, fear, and impending doom. His once tranquil existence is now a living nightmare, an embodiment of the hellish landscapes his professor once described. As the boundaries between academic intrigue and stark reality blur, the question remains - can he find redemption or is he destined for his own personal Hell?

Jigoku is a drama movie featuring Shigeru Amachi and directed by Nobuo Nakagawa.

Jigoku is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.