Title: Ju-On: The Grudge
Genre: Drama
Director: Shimizu Takashi
Format: Movie; 92 minutes.
Dates: 25 Jan 2003

Synopsis: Rika’s job is to care for the sickly. When she is called to substitute for a missing co-worker, she has no idea just what she is getting herself into. The home she now works in was once a scene of a brutal murder.

The Highlights:
Plot: Nothing new.
Plot Presentation: Very interesting; non-linear set up.
Performances: Intense.
Chills: Many throughout
Terrifying-ness: One scene, in particular.

At least one popular Asian horror film is remade each year. It is constantly shoved down our throats, trying to appeal as a “new, original” genre of horror. As “J-horror” becomes more popular with its introduction into Western culture, it becomes increasingly difficult to remember just where these stories originated. Ju-On: The Grudge is one of these originals. Becoming the first theatrical release from the horrific saga (following two timidly made-for-television pieces), Ju-On represented famed director Shimizu Takashi’s take on the typical ‘haunted house’. Even though it was later remade into the 2004 box-office hit, The Grudge, Shimizu’s timeless sense of horror in Ju-On is like no other.

As most horror films begin, Ju-On quickly introduces its heroine, the shy and adorable Rika, played by Okina Megumi. Her performance is both endearing and sensible, as she slowly weaves herself into a much deeper plot; the curse itself. Haunted houses are in no way new to the scene of J-horror. Shimizu has his own signature way of making up for this lack of originality, allowing Ju-On to follows an intricately thought-out, non-linear set up. This undeniably creates a more interesting effect as the story progresses. It may take two viewings to catch the constant use of foreshadowing that takes place in several, subtle ways; conversely, once you put two and two together, you can’t help but grin at the sheer wit of each piece of symbolism and its relations to other key symbols.

The set cast in Ju-On is a very fitting group for the film; they each display the character’s mood and emotions well. Perhaps the true star of the film is young Uehara Misa, who portrays Izumi with near perfection. The only disappointing factor comes from Ju-On’s very nature as a horror movie. Many of the characters don’t last long enough for actual development to become established. Arguably, only Rika is excluded from this lack of growth; and she faces the actual horror (Kayako, played exquisitely and dreadfully by Fuji Takako) in the film’s infamous climax.

Conceivably, the biggest boon in Ju-On is possibly the house itself. Filming in a real home (not a set) allows the mood to be drenched with intensity and solitude, that, at times, makes it almost unbearable. Critics, nonetheless, constantly bite at the “amateurish” look of each scene, although I myself praise the dirt and the grit; it gives way for a much more genuine atmosphere that many big-budget horror movies today can’t compare with. Ju-On is successful in maintaining a sense of spook throughout. Unfortunately, there aren’t too many truly terrifying moments. This may differ from person to person, though, but I can guarantee one white-knuckling scene in particular; it’ll be sure to get you each time around.

I strongly urge anyone who has seen The Grudge – a surprise hit – to give Ju-On a chance. Definitely a diamond in the rough, it pleasingly blends a non-traditional, non-linear storyline with a timeless concept. Along with its rock-solid performances and eerie soundtrack, Ju-On clearly exhibits both the cleverness and wit that J-horror has become so accustomed to. Be sure to purchase a night light.

The Rating: 9

Reviewed by: Pachinko