Intelligent, restrained, and SCARY

Rating: 9/10 (13 October 2002)

On its own merits, the U.S. version of "Ringu" is one of the best American horror films in history. It is a throwback to classic horror before there was even a glimmer of the slasher movies to come. The movie has little gore but contains some of the best jump-scenes ever. It's sexy without resorting gratuitous sex. While it's not completely free of hokeyness, "The Ring" is one of the most intelligent horror films ever made. The direction is inspired and the performances are remarkably subtle. The use of special effects is restrained but the impact hits hard. In the end, it remains enigmatic and mysterious because it doesn't go overboard with explanations. There's also a lot to think about as it resonates with a number of themes: the harmful effects of video culture (understating the obvious), the ethical responsibility of parents for their children, and the transmission of evil into the world. Most touchingly and ,yes, horribly, "The Ring" contrasts human mortality with the eternal nature of stark evil; life is fragile and short but evil lasts forever.