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Ringu Director: Hideo Nakata Number of Items: 1 Picture Format: Anamorphic Widescreen Format: Color, Widescreen, Dolby Audience Rating: Unrated Running Time: 100 minutes Studio: Universal Studios Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Region Code: 1 Product Group: DVD Release Date: 2003-03-04 Buy from Amazon |
 "Wow, this was CREEPY!"I was one of the people who saw the American version of this film first, and I have to say that I liked it quite a bit...until I saw the Japanese version. I thought the American version went too far in trying to make Samara into some sort of freak of nature--her unnatural conception, her ability to create pictures not only on video but on walls, and her strange effect on horses--but none of that was in the Japanese version, and I don't think it needed to be. It actually makes it scarier that we don't know very much about Sadako, except that she could kill people by wishing it. Other than that, she seems to have been a normal girl, which makes it all the more tragic that she was murdered. We don't feel much sympathy for Samara, since she was a monster. There are still some questions I have about the storyline that are answered by neither version, such as how Sadako/Samara could utilize a technology that hadn't even been invented in her lifetime; and since she appears to come from the TV, how did she kill the kids in the car? All in all, though, I think the Japanese version just makes more sense because it doesn't try to explain the supernatural.  "I thru this movie back down the well!"ok, this movie was NOT scary. it had a pretty good plot but it still sucked! The Ring (the american remake) was way better, but still not scary! If you want to see the scarest remake of a japanese horror flick, then go see The Grudge, starring my obsession.... Sarah Michelle Gellar! "Ring ring ring..."The title of the film, "Ringu" refers not to anything circular but to the ringing of the telephone that follows each viewing of the cursed video tape. The telephone, with its harsh, sudden blare, has always been a vehicle of horror and suspense, from Agnes Morehead's classic and chilling "Sorry, Wrong Number" to its role in "Scream." The television has also been a portal for the unreal, in films such as "Videodrome" and "Poltergeist." There is something about the flickering screen, the way a TV sucks in your attention and the possibility that something is watching from the other side of the screen that makes it as natural an element in a horror story as a grave or a well. "Ringu" uses these elements, combining a feeling both modern and ancient, to tell a most excellent ghost story. Ghost stories work best when they are subtle, creepy and manifest a feeling that something invisible is watching you just outside your field of vision, although possible in the same room as you. This film has exactly that atmosphere, with patient Japanese storytelling drawing out the suspense to an unbeatable climax. The actors all do an excellent job, avoiding the Japanese penchant for over-the-top melodrama and delivering performances as subtle as the story. Kabuki-trained Rie Inou makes the most of her onscreen time as Sadako. Nanako Matsushima is lovely and determined as the desperate reporter, hunting for the key that will save her's and her child's lives. Hiroyuki Sanada is a cool character as Nanako's psychically sensitive husband. Rikiya Otaka shows once again that few things are genuinely creepier than a little kid. Without revealing any of the story, I will say that some background knowledge of Japanese supernatural traditions would probably clear up some of the confusing points of the film. Certain things are left unexplained, any more than an American film would explain why a vampire feared a wooden stake. It is just assumed that everyone watching the movie will already know this. The "Ringu" DVD itself is disappointing, offering no features whatsoever and one would think that such an infamous film would get a better presentation. Also, the subtitles are not very well done, and often do a lackluster job of transferring the meaning of the Japanese dialog. One gets the sense that this was rushed out, trying to capture some of the enthusiasm for the Hollywood remake.  "Japanese horror"Yes, everyone knows that the Ring (Asian version) is a great horror film, but I want to get the word out about the more recent Japanese film that blows it away- Ju-on the Grudge. You probably haven't heard of it yet but you will. I have seen it and it was incredibly scary, to the point that I didn't feel comfortable watching it any longer. You've never experienced evil spirits like this before. I've seen hundreds of horror films and nothing has come close to this, I usually am not very scared when watching a horror movie but this was different. So look for it on the net, or if Amazon gets it in soon. Or you can email me and I could help you find it. It is really ten times more disturbing than Ringu, I guarantee that. "I know... I made a copy!"I reluctantly went out to rent The Ring only because I kept hearing it was a good movie. I thought it was gonna suck for some reason but when it was over I realized I was wrong it was one of the best horror movies Id ever seen and most original. Then I heard there was an original japanese version of the ring called Ringu and had to run and buy it. Great movie especially for japanese people but us too. The whole movie is done in english subtitles but if you understand japanese just listen. Same plot as The Ring with a few different twists throughout the movie and at the end. However, my personal oppinion is unless you enjoy reading subtitles while watching an entire movie which is not the most enjoyable thing in the world to most of us, stick with the english version of the film "The Ring" which aside from a more familiar language has a scarier feel to it and a little better explanation in it pertaining to certain parts of the movie. Ringu leaves a lot of blanks during the movie making you wonder about things too much. Overall this is still an excellent movie especially if you really liked thr ring and want to see another version. |
