Guinea Pig: Mermaid in the Manhole

Synopsis

Guinea Pig: Mermaid in the Manhole (ザ・ギニーピッグ マンホールの中の人魚) is a 1988 Japanese horror film directed by Shigeru Saiki. This disturbing entry in the notorious Guinea Pig series explores the macabre and grotesque themes of life and death through the story of a man who discovers a mermaid in the depths of a manhole. The film challenges the viewer's perception of beauty and suffering as it juxtaposes the enchanting aspect of a mermaid with the horrors of decay and illness. The protagonist becomes increasingly obsessed with the mermaid, leading him down a dark path of depravity and moral ambiguity. Each frame is filled with unsettling imagery and thought-provoking commentary about human nature, consistently pushing the boundaries of conventional horror cinema. With its raw and uncensored depiction of gore, 'Mermaid in the Manhole' leaves a lasting impression on audiences, serving not only as a film but also as a fearless confrontation with the darkest corners of existential dread.

Cast

• 

  Shigeru Saiki

  The Artist

• 

  Mari Somei

  The Mermaid

• 

  Go Riju

  Male Neighbor

• 

  Masami Hisamoto

  Female Neighbor

• Tsuyoshi Toshishige

Reviews

Guinea Pig: Mermaid in the Manhole has become a polarizing entry in the horror genre, receiving mixed reviews from both critics and viewers. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 5.5/10, indicating a divided audience. Some find it to be a masterful exploration of horror, with one viewer stating, "The film's grotesque imagery and raw emotion make it a powerful statement on humanity's darker sides." Critics highlight the film's unsettling ability to evoke feelings of empathy towards the mermaid, despite the overwhelming dread presented in the narrative. However, others criticize the film for crossing into excessive gore without sufficient narrative structure. A prominent review on Rotten Tomatoes reflects this divide, suggesting that while it is a commendable study in horror's surreal elements, it sometimes sacrifices storytelling for shock value. Overall, this film has captivated a niche audience while repelling others with its extreme content and moral dilemmas, making it a noteworthy, if contentious, part of the Guinea Pig series.