I honestly love this story. The ghost girl Sadako is... excuse me- awesome. She's a cool ghost! :D I love the kinds of events that take place in the film. The protagonist's character is excellent. The writer of the novel is nothing short of a genius because he twisted the original folktale in his own way. The director also adapted the novel in a different way and made it stand out. The direction is great. Kudos to the screenplay writer too! Most of the horror films made never make sense, but this one does. The backstory almost feels deep.
It has a nice piano tune in some of its scenes. The rest of the film is comparatively quiet and moves at a consistent pace. The ending was left in such a way that it was fulfilling as well as it left room for infinite sequels.
For me- this film is one of the few masterpieces in the horror genre. I can watch it any number of times and not get bored. Highly recommended!
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How ‘ Ring’ Inspired A Phenomenon…
Gore Verbinski’s American remake ‘The Ring’ (2002) has arguably left a lasting impression on those who have initially seen the Hollywood movie of iconic ghosts with long hair crawling out of TVs and creating a moderately-successful horror movie with a quick formula. However the original 1998 Japanese version of the movie, Hideo Nakata’s ‘ Ring’ arguably outshines its American successor by remaining a flawed yet hidden classic that truly kicked off the wave of J-Horror onscreen.
The film focuses upon Reiko (Nanako Matsushima); a workaholic TV reporter and single mother to son Asakawa Yoichi ( Rikiya Otaka). Reiko comes across a a disturbing urban legend story about a VHS tape that has creepy occult images and puts a death-curse on the viewer. After it is finished, the viewer will receive a phone call, and within a week, will die. When Reiko watches it for herself and alongside leading man Takayama Ryuuji ( Sanada Hiroyuki) is determined to get to the bottom of the ominous tape.
Interestingly the origins of ‘ Ring’ were certainly different form expectations. Hideo Nakata and screenwriter Takahashi Hiroshi sourced the material from Koji Suzuki’s novel ‘ Ring’; a storyline that downplayed the supernatural for pseudo-science fictions and metaphors. However instead of taking Suzuki’s concept word for word, Nakata notably placed the storyline in the tradition of Japanese Yōkai and Yūrei stories with evident inspirations taken from horror classics such ‘ Poltergeist’ and ‘ Videodrome’ interweaving their way into the movie.
The executed storyline of ‘ Ring’ admittedly had its highs and lows. Indeed the movie is disturbing and well-composed cinematic shocks truly delve into the horrifying vision of Nakata’s ghost story. However with confusing narrative coils as the storyline progresses, it could sometimes make plot-progression tedious.
None so could this be so apparent with main female lead Reiko; an intriguing character, who as the main protagonist, had so much potential to be well-explored and learn to mature from her experiences. Instead Nakata could sometimes create an agonising experience of Reiko constantly flittering mood without rhyme or reason before suddenly taking the back bench for most of the events of the movie in order to make way for the unlikely swashbuckling hero of the hour Takayama.
It isn’t necessarily out of the question for the movie to highlight Reiko’s quest for help and clarity during her search for answers. However considering the relevance of Reiko as a main and quintessential character throughout the events of the series it seemed odd we rarely had opportunities to see Reiko become a more well-defined character as well as importantly, delve deeper into her initially estranged to “ loving” relationship with her son, Yoichi.
Nevertheless it is intriguing to note that whilst the plot did have many loose ends which were never truly clarified during the events of the movie, Nakata had a surprisingly artistic eye to small details throughout scenes. Lacking obtrusive shots created an immersive experience with viewers ( despite the low-budget) and helped to present focus upon evident metaphors throughout the film. Most strikingly this appeared in later events through a captivating shot on static of the well; a metaphor for the parallel isolation and alienation of its main female lead. Dark lighting or vertical structures further emphasised the kind of estrangement. Reiko and her son’s living quarters are filled with a shadow of melancholia; isolated from one another in a microcosm world devoid of warmth.
Even the soundtrack composed by Kawai Kenji captivated the ambience of the movie; sparse and rarely used until acting as a warning bell towards the few spooky atmospheric cues at tense moments thrown into the mix.
‘ The Ring’ is not a perfect film with a lot of bamboozlement and division towards the final cut. Nevertheless whilst it has arguably remained dated on its presented roles of characters and technology, there’s something ineffably timeless about the ideology of fear and suspense transcending generations in ‘ Ring’ with masterful execution by Hideo Nakata presenting one of the well-deserved classic primogenitures to the J-Horror movement.
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We all know the storyline etc, so I won't spend time writing about that.
The music within this film was something that was done extremely well. During times where nothing particularly spooky was happening, the music creates such an atmosphere that gives you goosebumps and chills.
The technique of making the film overly dark was something I particularly enjoyed. It allowed for you to lean forward and squint at the screen. It set up times where you felt increasing paranoia waiting for something to jump out when you're least expecting it.
However, despite all of the film's good points and sections that grip the viewer, I don't think I could rewatch this.
The main female lead is one of the most annoying characters I've watched in a movie. Her random mood swings, her inability to do almost anything that makes sense and to aid her family; it all adds up to a character I honestly just want to punch. The actress did an amazing job but the writer(s) definitely could have done much more with her.
After finishing this, I'm not even sure if I want to finish the series and watch the rest of the movies. Ringu finishes very strongly and doesn't have much need for follow ups; they seem very much like a claim for more money rather than a want to continue the actual story – but perhaps I'll find out.
Overall, very cleverly done, but if you like strong smart lead females, then you might wanna watch this just for having watched a classic.
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Timeless classic of the genre.
Brilliant slow burning suspense horror that builds up to a satisfying climax. It's not particularly scary in the jumpscare sense but the entire movie has this sense of urgency and dread. Reminds me more of a thriller with horror elements as the mystery unfolds against the ticking clock.The choice to change the lead from the novel to female was probably a smart move and Matsushima Nanako is fantastic in the role. Her desperation and intense performance really propels the movie in a way I'm not sure would have worked without her.
The film locations and music all create a really atmospheric experience and there isn't much else to say that probably hasn't been said a hundred times. Great movie.
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Un ovni pour l'époque.
Quand je l'ai vu pour la première fois j'ai trouvé le scénario original, un film d'horreur qui vous prend aux tripes si vous êtes dans de bonnes conditions pour le regarder. Encore mieux si vous êtes seuls et dans le noir. J'étais avec un ami quand je l'ai regardé je peux vous assurer qu'il m'a fait "bhou" une fois mais pas deux!Was this review helpful to you?
