In Matango (1963) cross section of society out enjoying a yachting trip finds themselves shipwrecked on an island and given up for dead. Marooned, they quickly turn on each other, becoming paranoid and selfish and often violent. Food is scarce. There seem to be no indigenous animals on the island. Birds shun it. A derelict research vessel is discovered where they take shelter and discover that the mushrooms found all over the island are deadly and the cause of the disappearance of the crew of the research vessel. Strange figures appear at night, and one by one the castaways succumb to each other and the island itself as they struggle to survive and to escape.
This movie boasts an excellent cast and direction as what starts out as a light, frivolous trip turns deadly serious. The movie is filled with a building sense of dread and desperation, aided by the cast's performances as the castaways grow more and more desperate, fearful and distrustful, and by the fantastic score by Sadao Bekku. The art direction is splendid as well giving everything a damp look of rot and decay throughout.
Definitely worth seeing.
The first movie to give me nightmares!
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