Ringu vs. Ju-on

So it seems that horror movies with little kids are always the scariest! I finally got to watch the Japanese version of The Ring (RINGU) and The Grudge (JU-ON) over the weekend with Ryan. I've seen the American remake versions first, and I admit THE RING scared the hell out of me! It got that suspence going from beginning to the end. But the best part was definitely the end. The Japanese originals, were less scary, funny even at some scenes and slightly hard to follow! Ringu leaves some questions unanswered, and doesn't pause to dwell on everything. It was less creepy and rather subtle whereby it showed us a series of seemingly random images that disturb us, but we don't know why. Overall Ringu focused on delivering scares instead of explanations!

Ju-on is a horror movie that messes with your head. It preys on your imagination, toying with your darkest feelings, and, in the process, it gets under your skin. It is structured like chapters of a book, with each character getting a chapter that is a piece of the bigger puzzle. Possibly the most terrifying part of the movie is the Toshio child and his waxy, blue hued figure lurking behind every head turn. However, the film's repetitious, episodic structure seems to unnecessarily alleviate the building tension, making it a far less frightening film than it might have been.

To me, if I had to pick, I'd say go watch THE RING if you haven't seen it yet. It is best viewed late at night, in complete silence, with nothing but the television on. Pay close attention to what you see and hear - this movie will not let you down. Its unsettling mood is set at the very beginning and the chills come immediately. One true test of a quality film is repeated viewings and THE RING stands up to this test unflinchingly. The story is such that one may need to view the film twice just to appreciate the sinewy plot. By the end of the movie, I am sure you will be double-checking your front doors & windows for any movement or shadows like I do before going to bed!