hot spring shark attack is a 2023 Japanese horror-comedy film directed by Morihito Inoue. The movie takes the form of a thriller, focusing on disappearances that occur at an onsen (a Japanese hotel built around hot springs). As the story unfolds, a team of experts discover that sharks are swimming through the pipes and attacking people in the hot springs. This is where the film takes an interesting turn, as it leans into the absurdity of the situation. Key Plot Points:
- Cold bodies start showing up at the nearby beach.
- A team of experts discovers that sharks are swimming through the pipes and attacking people in the hot springs.
- The sharks create “shark traps” that initially look like puddles on the ground.
The Film’s Absurdity and Technical Flaws

One of the most striking aspects of Hot Spring Shark Attack is its disregard for realism. The film’s special effects are subpar, but that does not stop the filmmakers from pushing the boundaries of absurdity. Some visuals, such as the shark attacks, are laughably bad.
“In the end, it’s not about being realistic; it’s about having fun,” says director Morihito Inoue.
The Director’s Approach to Filmmaking
Morihito Inoue’s approach to filmmaking is bold and unafraid. He is willing to take risks and push the boundaries of absurdity. Despite the film’s flaws, Inoue’s direction is a testament to his courage and creativity.
- Somethin about this, however, just makes the film more endearing.
- Hot Spring Shark Attack does not shy away from its ridiculous visuals — it leans into them.
The Film’s Connection to the Summer Blockbuster Genre
| 1994 | The Shawshank Redemption | 2018 | The Godfather |
| 2013 | Gravity | 2007 | Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl |
| 2005 | Crash | 2013 | The dark knight |
| 2004 | The Incredibles | 2013 | Despicable Me |
| 1998 | Armageddon | 2013 | Iron Man |
| 1996 | The English Patient | 2012 | The Avengers |
| 1995 | Apollo 13 | 2012 | The Dark Knight Rises |
| 1994 | The Shawshank Redemption | 2011 | The Dark Knight |
| 1992 | Basic Instinct | 2010 | Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides |
| 1991 | Hook | 2010 | Iron Man 2 |
| 1990 | Ghost | 2009 | Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince |
| 1989 | Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade | 2009 | The Dark Knight |
| 1988 | Rain Man | 2008 | Iron Man |
| 1987 | The Untouchables | 2007 | The Dark Knight |
| 1986 | Top Gun | 2006 | Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest |
| 1985 | Out of Africa | 2005 | The Dark Knight |
| 1984 | The Terminator | 2004 | The Dark Knight |
| 1983 | Gandhi | 2003 | The Dark Knight |
| 1982 | Chariots of Fire | 2002 | The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers |
| 1981 | The Empire Strikes Back | 2001 | The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring |
| 1980 | Raiders of the Lost Ark | 2000 | The Lord of the Rings: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King |
| 1979 | Alien | 1999 | The Matrix |
| 1978 | Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope | 1998 | The Matrix Reloaded |
| 1977 | The Spy Who Loved Me | 1997 | The Matrix |
| 1976 | The Omen | 1996 | The Matrix |
| 1975 | Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope | 1995 | The Matrix |
| 1974 | Jesus Christ Superstar | 1994 | The Matrix |
| 1973 | Superman | 1993 | The Matrix |
| 1972 | Westworld | 1992 | The Matrix |
| 1971 | Tora! Tora!
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