Amidst a mythically-depicted medieval Japan, a court astrologer foretells a great disturbance that threatens to split the realm in two. His bitter and treacherous wife conspires to have the astrologer killed, as well as their adopted daughter, Sakaki. The astrologer's master apprentice, Yasuna, who was in love with Sakaki, is driven mad with grief and escapes to the countryside. There, he encounters Sakaki's long-lost twin, Kuzunoha, and the pair meet a pack of ancient fox spirits in the woods, whose presence may be the key to restoring Yasuna s sanity, and in turn bringing peace to the fracturing nation.
Wow, what a magical film. At first glance The Mad Fox (a.k.a. Love, Thy Name Be Sorrow) seems to be your typical costume drama although with a much more fierce storyline involving a red sky that supposedly spells doom for man, but it's clear early on that director Tomu Uchida wanted to explore the folklore involving the kitsune, a.k.a. fox. With stunning backdrops and gorgeous sets we're transported back to a time of legends, swaying susuki grass and where shape-shifting beings roam the land. A film rooted in tradition and history, and obviously not a choice for those seeking tons of action but a gold mine for lovers of ancient Japan.
Genre: Drama/Fantasy
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