Over the course of 30 years, Miike Takashi has made over one hundred movies in a variety of genres and styles. Notorious for controversial shocking scenes of violence and perversion, he has hugely influenced the horror film directors of our time. Along with his bizarre films, he has also boasted dexterity in making family-friendly films since the early days of his career. The Great Yokai War: Guardians is one of his more lighthearted films for children. Great Yokai Carnival: The adventures of the Watanabe bros might be a better title. Descendants of the legendary Yokai hunter, 12-year-old Kei and his younger brother team up with monsters to save Tokyo. It’s fun to see all kinds of Japanese monsters; Snow Woman, Red-nosed Tengu, Two-faced Dokomo, a racoon drumming on its belly, Rokurokubi with his endless neck, etc. Amonojaku reads human minds with a flip phone reminiscent of One Missed Call (2003). Since 2001, BIFAN has shown 20 films by this versatile director, who deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. (Creta D. KIM)