In the year 1991, Japanese author Koji Suzuki published a novel titled, “Ring.” It’s about a reporter who investigates a string of deaths tied to a cured videotape. Whoever watches the tape will die within a week. Seven Years Later, production company Toho adapted the novel into a full-length film.
Released in 1998, (same year Dragon Ball Z first aired on Cartoon Network/Toonami) it received positive reviews from critics and made enough yen at the box office. Ring spawned a film franchise and DreamWorks produced an American remake in 2002 starring Naomi Watts. Thus, introducing non-Japanese movie goers to Japanese Horror or J-Horror for short. A few J-Horror films like “The Grudge” were remade in America creating a trend since The Ring catapulted the genre’s exposure across the nation.
I remember watching the American remake. Then I found out, the original was made in Japan and based on the book. Now that it’s Halloween Month, I wanna share my thoughts on the OG Ring film. I’m fascinated with Japanese culture. Which J-Horror film should I review next? Please leave a comment and I’ll respond back.
This review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving a lot of you a chance to see this gem.
Lifted & Cursed Aspects
Lifted: The Cast all did an excellent job for their respective performances.
Hideo Nakata (original Dark Water) did a great job directing.
Scare Factor gave me the Heebie Jeebies. Don’t expect this film to be full-fledged bloodfest, it has elements of a mystery-thriller connecting the dots.
Pacing didn’t feel like a drab. I was fully invested since the beginning.
Both the book and film are influenced by “Poltergeist.” Not that dumb remake. I’m talking about original.
The title of the film has nothing to do with jewelry. It has two meanings. A phone ringing and a virus as a metaphor for an endless cycle.
An editor of the film added a grainy filter on the Cursed Tape. Make it look like an old home movie discovered in an abandoned house.
We learn about Sadako’s tragic backstory. She’s renamed as Samara in the remake. By the way, Daveigh Chase (Lilo and Stitch, Spirited Away) portrayed the villain.
The infamous scene with Sadako coming out of the TV still holds up. It definitely earns Bonus Points for making my spine tingle.
Unlike “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” Ring’s ending doesn’t indicate sequel bait. Feels like like a one-off story.
Cursed: If you’re not into subtitles lacking an English Dub option, this may not be your cup of tea. As for me personally, I got used to it. I’ll let this slide.
I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving the Cast and Crew an Extra Point for making a flawless J-Horror film as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
The OG Ring is a masterpiece. Arguably better than the American remake. I’m hooked on more J-Horror films. Can’t decide which version of The Ring you should watch? A double header sounds neat. As of October 2023, I have no clue if another American follow up to The Ring is in development.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 