The Slit-Mouthed Woman 0: The Beginning (2008)
A Japanese horror prequel tracing the dark, tragic origins of the legendary Kuchisake-onna — the slit-mouthed woman.
The Slit-Mouthed Woman 0: The Beginning - Movie Information
- Original Title: 口裂け女 0 ビギニング
- Release Year: 2008
- Directed by: Kazuto Kodama
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Horror
- Runtime: 1h 28m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Production Countries: Japan
- Alternative Titles: Kuchisake Onna: Beginning (JP), Carved 0: The Beginning (US)
The Slit-Mouthed Woman 0: The Beginning - Plot
Young Misato struggles to survive after suffering severe facial trauma. And yet, after the operation, his face will not retain the after-effects of the tragedy... Her big sister will try to protect her by all means, but she will not be able to do anything against the many murders that will take place, nor against this strange shadow that will begin to creep... like a ghost... of the sadly legendary deformed woman.
The Slit-Mouthed Woman 0: The Beginning - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Kazuto Kodama
Main Cast
- Mai Endô
- Miho Harita
- Mochihito Igarashi
- Otsuka Kanako
- Makoto Kikuchi
- Akira Koyasumi
- Yukimasa Nakamachi
- Miyu Oriyama
- Tōru Shinagawa
- Yûrei Yanagi
Writers
- Kazuto Kodama
The Slit-Mouthed Woman 0: The Beginning - FAQs
What is The Slit-Mouthed Woman 0: The Beginning about?
The film follows young Misato, who endures severe facial trauma and a haunting operation, while her older sister tries desperately to protect her. A series of brutal murders unfolds alongside the emergence of a ghostly, disfigured shadow — the origins of the infamous slit-mouthed woman legend.
Is The Slit-Mouthed Woman 0 based on a true story?
The film draws on the Japanese urban legend of Kuchisake-onna, the slit-mouthed woman, which circulated widely in Japan during the late 1970s. While the legend itself has deep cultural roots, the film's specific narrative and characters are fictional inventions built around that folklore.
Who directed The Slit-Mouthed Woman 0: The Beginning?
The film was directed by Kazuto Kodama, who also wrote the screenplay. Kodama crafted this entry as a prequel exploring the origins of the Kuchisake-onna legend, expanding on the mythology established in earlier Japanese horror films centered on the same iconic figure.
Who are the main actors in The Slit-Mouthed Woman 0?
The principal cast includes Mai Endô, Miho Harita, Mochihito Igarashi, Otsuka Kanako, Makoto Kikuchi, Akira Koyasumi, Yukimasa Nakamachi, Miyu Oriyama, Tōru Shinagawa, and Yûrei Yanagi.
How does The Beginning connect to the Slit-Mouthed Woman series?
The film serves as a prequel to the Kuchisake-onna series, tracing the tragic events that give rise to the legendary disfigured woman. Rather than depicting her as an established supernatural threat, it portrays the human suffering and violent circumstances that transform Misato into the feared folkloric figure.
What language is The Slit-Mouthed Woman 0 in?
The film is entirely in Japanese, reflecting its production origin in Japan. International audiences typically watch it with subtitles. It is also known by the alternative titles Kuchisake Onna: Beginning in Japan and Carved 0: The Beginning in the United States.
How long is The Slit-Mouthed Woman 0: The Beginning?
The Slit-Mouthed Woman 0: The Beginning has a runtime of 88 minutes, making it a compact and tightly paced horror experience. The film's relatively short length keeps the tension focused and the atmosphere consistently unsettling throughout.
What are similar movies to The Slit-Mouthed Woman 0?
Fans of this film may also enjoy A Nightmare on Elm Street: The Dream Child (1989), which similarly explores the origins of a legendary horror figure. Other recommendations include The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest (2009) for its intense thriller elements and Wicked Little Letters (2024) for dark, character-driven storytelling.
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