Serpent's Path (1998 film)

Serpent's Path (蛇の道, Hebi no Michi) is a 1998 Japanese revenge thriller film directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa. It is considered one of Kurosawa's earlier works in the crime and horror genres, distinct from his later supernatural and philosophical explorations. The film centers on Niijima, a man haunted by the murder of his daughter. He is approached by Miyashita, a former schoolteacher, who offers to help Niijima track down and systematically torment the individuals responsible for the girl's death. The film explores themes of grief, justice, and the psychological toll of vengeance, often employing a slow-burn narrative style and understated violence. The film received positive reviews for its tense atmosphere, strong performances, and Kurosawa's characteristic direction. It is the first film in what is often referred to as the "Kurosawa crime trilogy", followed by Eyes of the Spider and The Spider's Path.