Ju-on(Japan) (2000)
reviewed by Benn "Where's the Humanity?" Farrell
"Ju-On," like its American version, is about a series of characters who's lives turn horrific after a house in Japan curses them. The site of a bloody murder of a mother and child, anyone who steps foot in the house is haunted by the p**sed off spirits of the two. I thought this picture was still very nerve racking, like the remake. However, much of "Ju-On" is over lit for a horror movie. Much of the picture's more intense scenes take place during the day. This aspect hurts the picture's scary factor, but at the same time makes it a little original in my opinion. There is very little dialogue to read in "Ju-On." I say read since it is a Japanese import with English subtitles. Most of the scares are situational and very effective. There are a handful of character in "Ju-On," which you can tell became missed into one character for "The Grudge." I don't have a preference between the differences with this; however, Bill Pullman's character from "The Grudge" was completely invented. What a really disliked about this movie was it never gave us a reason why the mother and child were killed by their husband/father. It is explained in "The Grudge," an act of jealous rage, but for "Ju-On," it's never explained. Bad move. Also, "The Grudge" also detailed how the wife and child were killed, whereas "Ju-On" kept those facts vague. In fact, the ultra creepy noise the wife's spirit was making was because her throat had been slit and she was actually trying to call out for help. This was also given better coverage in "The Grudge." Overall, after seeing "Ju-On," I think "The Grudge" producers made very good changes to make the picture's story and more importantly back story a better quality of filmmaking. I think if you're interested in seeing either of these pictures, skip "Ju-On" and just see "The Grudge." Benn - Where's the Humanity?
This picture was nearly exactly the same as its American remake, called "The Grudge," especially in production design and in the director's shot selection. This is not surprising, as it has the same writer and director as "The Grudge."
This title was requested by a reader.