Purchasing magic key passes can be an exciting way to unlock new opportunities and adventures. These passes are often associated with amusement parks or other entertainment venues, granting the holder special privileges and access to exclusive experiences. The concept of the magic key pass adds an element of anticipation and wonder, as it holds the potential to provide unforgettable memories. When purchasing a magic key pass, it is important to consider the individual's preferences and needs. Some passes may offer unlimited access to all rides and attractions within a specific park, while others may provide additional perks such as fast-track entry or discounts on food and merchandise. Understanding the benefits and limitations of each pass is crucial in order to make an informed decision.
Noroi is a long and complex film, one that demands your full attention throughout. Clues as to what’s going on come thick and fast and at first might seem like throwaway bits of spooky business that have nothing to do with the main plot. Only as the story unfolds does it becomes clear that things like the suicidal pigeons, Ishii’s alleged stealing of fetuses from an abortion clinic and the meaning of the loops that Mariko keeps drawing and making in pieces of string are actually vital to understanding what’s going on. It all adds up to a film that slowly, carefully amnd expertly accumulates a growing sense of dread and unease.
Kobayashi, Marika and his never seen cameraman Miyajima find their way to the site of a former village, long submerged to make way for the Shimokage dam, where the locals performed rituals to appease the demon Kagutaba who they come to believe is behind all the mysteries. There are hints of the always popular folk horror sub-genre as Kobayashi and co discover the remnants of the rural community that raised and subsequently imprisoned Kagutaba, keeping it in check with complex rituals.
Understanding the benefits and limitations of each pass is crucial in order to make an informed decision. Price is another factor to consider when purchasing a magic key pass. These passes often come in various tiers or levels, with each level offering different benefits at different price points.
Noroi: The Curse (2005)
Often described as “found footage”, Kôji Shiraishi’s Noroi is actually a good example of the form’s close relative, the fake documentary. Taking the form of a compilation of video material recorded by a paranormal researcher, it charts the final days and weeks before his mysterious disappearance.
Jin Muraki stars as Masafumi Kobayashi, a journalist specialising in the paranormal and all things Fortean who, we are told at the outset, disappeared while making his latest film, The Curse, shortly after his house burned down and his wife Keiko (Miyoko Hanai) was found dead in the wreckage. The Curse consists at first of what seems to be random bits and pieces from Kobayashi’s investigations – a woman named Junko Ishii (Tomono Kuga) and her son (Shûta Kambayashi) attract his attention after neighbours complain about strange sounds coming from their house that are later revealed to be the crying of a group of babies; the neighbour and her daughter die in car crash a week later; young schoolgirl Kana Yano (Rio Kanno) is seen on a television variety show displaying uncanny psychic powers; a clearly mentally ill man, Mitsuo Hori (Satoru Jitsunashi), who constantly wears a tin foil hat and coat, warns him about “ectoplasmic worms”; and actress Marika Matsumoto (apparently playing herself) is stalked by something supernatural after taking part in a different documentary about a supposedly haunted shrine.
All these strands at first seem unconnected and the first hour of the film – which at 115 minutes is a good twenty minutes too long – can seem rambling and unfocused. It all starts to coalesce as the story progresses. Kobayashi, Marika and his never seen cameraman Miyajima find their way to the site of a former village, long submerged to make way for the Shimokage dam, where the locals performed rituals to appease the demon Kagutaba who they come to believe is behind all the mysteries. By the end of the film Kagutaba has been revealed to have manifested in the form of a minor character from earlier in the film and is responsible for Kobayashi’s disappearance.
Noroi is a long and complex film, one that demands your full attention throughout. Clues as to what’s going on come thick and fast and at first might seem like throwaway bits of spooky business that have nothing to do with the main plot. Only as the story unfolds does it becomes clear that things like the suicidal pigeons, Ishii’s alleged stealing of fetuses from an abortion clinic and the meaning of the loops that Mariko keeps drawing and making in pieces of string are actually vital to understanding what’s going on. It all adds up to a film that slowly, carefully amnd expertly accumulates a growing sense of dread and unease.
Like a lot of Japanese horror films, the characters – all well played in a convincingly natural manner – accept the existence of the supernatural without question. Shiraishi and Naoyuki Yokota’s screenplay doesn’t waste time with sceptical characters having to be convinced of what’s going on – they just buy into it, making Noroi feel like it’s taking place in an alternate world where demonic possession, ghosts and other paranormal manifestations are an everyday commonplace.
Noroi makes use of several of the the tried and tested “found footage” tropes – creepy figures lurk in the background, often unseen by the protagonists and half-glimpsed horrors set us further on edge as we struggle to process what we think we might have just seen – but the “mockumentary” approach gives the film more of a coherent structure and allows us to break out of the strictly first person perspective via faked television news and variety show extracts that look convincingly like the real thing.
There are hints of the always popular “folk horror” sub-genre as Kobayashi and co discover the remnants of the rural community that raised and subsequently imprisoned Kagutaba, keeping it in check with complex rituals. The last of these rituals was filmed and the grainy 16mm footage reveals a possible tip of the hat to Kaneto Shindo’s classic Onibaba (1964) when the central character in the rites is seen wearing a mask reminiscent of the Hannya mask central to Shindo’s film.
Noroi may test the patience of some with its length but for those who buy into its off-kilter world and surrender to its escalating feeling of foreboding as Kobayashi’s quest gradually leads himself completely out of his depth, it’s a remarkably effective and often chilling film with moments in its closing stages that are hard to forget. Its slow to get going but stick with it and you’ll be rewarded with a memorable finale that most memorably reveals where those stolen fetuses went and what they were being used for…
Kôji Shiraishi made something of a career out of this sort of thing. Okaruto/Occult (2009), Shirome/White Eyes (2010), Cho Akunin/Hyper Villain (2011) and Bachiatari bouryuku ningen/Cursed Violent People (2011) all used the “mockumentary” format He eventually moved into more traditional story-telling and made the disappointing Sadako vs. Kayako (2016) which pitted the protagonists from Japan’s two most successful horror franchises against each other in an underwhelming clash of J-horror titans.
All these strands at first seem unconnected and the first hour of the film – which at 115 minutes is a good twenty minutes too long – can seem rambling and unfocused. It all starts to coalesce as the story progresses. Kobayashi, Marika and his never seen cameraman Miyajima find their way to the site of a former village, long submerged to make way for the Shimokage dam, where the locals performed rituals to appease the demon Kagutaba who they come to believe is behind all the mysteries. By the end of the film Kagutaba has been revealed to have manifested in the form of a minor character from earlier in the film and is responsible for Kobayashi’s disappearance.
Researching and comparing the prices and benefits of different passes can help determine which option provides the best value for money. It is also essential to research the terms and conditions associated with the purchase of a magic key pass. Understanding the validity period, blackout dates, and any restrictions or limitations is crucial in order to fully enjoy the benefits of the pass. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the pass can be easily redeemed or activated, and to familiarize oneself with any necessary booking processes. Purchasing a magic key pass can be a worthwhile investment for individuals who frequent amusement parks or entertainment venues. It can enhance the overall experience, providing convenience and opportunities to make the most out of the visit. However, it is important to approach the purchase with careful consideration and research to ensure that the pass aligns with one's preferences and offers a satisfactory return on investment. In conclusion, purchasing magic key passes can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. By considering individual needs and preferences, comparing prices and benefits, and understanding the terms and conditions, individuals can make informed decisions and enjoy the unique opportunities that these passes provide. So, whether it's unlocking new rides or gaining VIP access, a magic key pass can be the gateway to a magical experience..
Reviews for "Embrace the Magic: How to Get Your Hands on Magic Key Passes"
1. John - 2 stars: I was really disappointed with the magic key passes from Puechase. The key cards were flimsy and poorly made, causing them to break within a few uses. The customer service was also terrible when I reached out to request a replacement. They were unresponsive and unwilling to help. Overall, I would not recommend purchasing these passes as they are of poor quality and the company does not seem to care about customer satisfaction.
2. Sarah - 1 star: I had a terrible experience with the magic key passes from Puechase. First of all, the passes arrived much later than the estimated delivery date, which was already inconvenient. When I finally received them, they didn't work properly at the attractions they were supposed to give me access to. It was embarrassing and frustrating trying to explain to the staff that the passes were faulty. I contacted Puechase for assistance, but they were unhelpful and dismissive. Save yourself the hassle and avoid these passes altogether.
3. Emily - 3 stars: Although I didn't fully dislike the magic key passes from Puechase, I found them to be underwhelming. The advertised benefits and discounts were not as significant as I had expected. The attractions and services included in the passes were also limited and not as diverse as other similar products on the market. Additionally, the process of redeeming the passes was quite cumbersome and required a lot of coordination and planning ahead. Overall, I would suggest exploring other options before purchasing these passes.