Stylish, Disturbing, and better than 'Ringu'- a lot better (no spoilers)

Rating: 9/10 (25 July 2003)

First thing first, I saw "Ringu" about the time I first heard they were shooting an American remake. I watched it and didn't find it bad at all, just- not that good (and I love subtitled movies, so that had nothing to do with it). So it was with some trepidation that I walked into the American version of the film directed by none other than the man who made "The Mexican."
Well, my worries were unwarrented. This movie was great. I'm a huge movie buff, especially horror movies, and none of the classicly "terrifying" films have ever really gotten to me. I have jumped during movies before, but I can honestly say that no film has ever really gotten under my skin until this one. I'm not sure what it was, it's not particularly scary, it just hit the right buttons I guess.
After getting "The Ring" on DVD, I rented "Ringu" just to refresh my memory of it. I was immediately reminded of why I didn't like it very much, and the points were made even more blaring watching the two side by side. "The Ring" is very stylish, and in certain scenes/shots rather graphic in visuals (the nail through the finger) or themes (Richard's abuse of Samara). The original, which did also have graphic bits, for me, just lacked intensity. After watching both films probably five times or so I still just can't be affected by "Ringu", and I try.
From what I've read and people I've talked to, it seems that people who saw "Ringu" first prefer it and people who saw "The Ring" first prefer it. I don't fit in either category, seeing "Ringu" first but finding "The Ring" vastly superior. The look, the actors, the storyline (the minor differences improve it a lot), and especially the score are all top notch on this one.

Even if you didn't like "Ringu", or you did and don't think this could match up, at least give it a chance.