Not scary...

Rating: 8/10 (24 February 2003)

With the upcoming DVD release of this oustanding movie I wanted to add my own review. I admit having not seen the Japanese original leaves my opinion slightly jaded. Pressing on though I didn't find this film scary at all... But it is by far one of the creepiest films I've ever seen.
It seems there should be a different genre for these type of films, instead of horror perhaps it would be best to label them uber-thrillers. The movie was very suspenseful and compelling to watch in a very morbid sense. Imagine all those people that slow down driving past car accidents to see the damage and carnage. That kind of morbidity propels the viewer through the ring with a definite sense of "on-the-edge-of-your-seat" tension.
When you couple that dreaded sensation with the excellent sound effects, music, eerie locations and grainy film, it makes the American version of this film one of the best modern "horror" movies hands down. I have still be told REPEATEDLY to see the original Japanese film if I ever get the chance as it is supposed to be far superior in story and dread. Hopefully with the American remake coming to DVD next week they'll import the Japanese version so we can enjoy it as well.