Ju-on: The Grudge

Es una de las películas mas aterradoras de todos los tiempos, la mejor en el ámbito asiático, es un verdadero clásico del horror, pero si no le pongo un 10 es porque no pienso que sea una película perfecta, el ritmo y la ambientación estuvieron muy bien pero la cohesión entre historia e historia la vuelven un poco confusa.

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

To a Japanese audience, Ju-on may very well be regarded as a generic horror film. But, show it to people that are unaccustomed to and uneducated on the vast cultural differences of its home country, and you will instantly be able to affect them in a way that you couldn't within your own borders. The movie's very 'foreignness' is one of its biggest assets, aiding Westerners in feeling as if they are witnessing horrifying events, rather than being the subject of them. The plot is probably unnecessarily convoluted for what the story is, but all of the cryptic symbolism and subtle spiritual questioning inject the film with a purpose beyond the initial aim of scaring. Sound effects, editing, camera placement and direction are all at a superb level, adding up to something that an English-language remake could never have translated fully.

Ju-On, during a first viewing, can seem a bit puzzling as to what is precisely going on. However, persevere with this chilling film. Though I personally find Ringu (The Ring) to be an overall better movie, this film keeps the spine-chill factor at a constant high, in comparison to The Ring's ebb and flow. Even some of the scenes which occur in broad daylight (particular the balcony and the new home owner) ooze creepiness. Yes, it's true, the acting can be a bit shoddy, but any lingering doubts on acting methods will soon dissipate when the scares arrive and you can be sure they'll be coming thick and fast. Considering the low-budget nature of the film - for the most part, make-up is about as advanced as it gets - I was amazed at the terrifying nature of the film. This is genuine horror. No sharp gloves or chainsaws here, just a brilliant array of scenes that encourages your mind to interpret, and largely generate, the scares.

This contains strong prolonged terror, fear, tension, scares, horror and so on. It is very similar to the American version but more confusing. I do prefer the American one. This is just as scary though and really builds up a petrifying punch. It is good having two versions of the same film as the timings and the like are slightly different, prolonging the longevity of the film as you can essentially watch it twice! This is highly recommended and will scare you. See both versions.