Very clever horror flick

Rating: 7/10 (12 February 2004)

I haven't seen the original film 'Ringu' from which this movie was based but I would have to say that Hollywood did an OK job on this film. The plot is not Hollywood's, thank heavens, because in recent years any horror movie with any plot coming out of Hollywood seems to need to conform to the Scooby Doo format. By that I mean by the end every little mystery has been explained in full detail.... unfortunately at the expense of the real ingredients, fear, suspense, etc, etc.
The idea of this film is very clever, if you didn't know anything about it then you would be surprised at what is going on and you would not be able to predict the ending even if you were convinced you had it right, you'd be wrong. Having read reviews to other Japanese horror movies it seems that many of them have intelligent and curious causes to the supernatural phenomenon as well. An influx of American remakes may follow The Ring.
To give some sort of review I would have to say that it is for the most part one of the very best horror movies of the last 5 years. There is a deep and disturbing atmosphere, although I will see Ringu next and compare to see if it comes close. There is an excellent score of music to set the mood and tone of what the director wants you to feel during the scenes and the sound effects are used well to develop the tension. The storyline itself is by far the movie's strongest point and compares with any horror I can think of.
In short I would definately say watch this movie if you like supernatural horrors, or maybe you should see the original 'Ringu' first though??