Review #13 - Ringu (1998)

Whatever you do, don't watch the tape...

Total score: 17/23.

Young(er) me made frustratingly few notes on this, which is a shame but not a surprise because this film is awesome. However, it does unfortunately mean this’ll be a bit of a short review - at least for now.

Like Ju-On: The Grudge (2002) this movie leaps from plot point to plot point at a rate of knots. It’s fun, tense, and the plot device of a time limit really tightens up the pace.

Nanako Matsushima is fucking brilliant as Reiko, and you really feel for her, particularly when it comes to her son. She’s a joy to watch, honestly.

Likewise, Rie Ino’o as the hellish Sadako Yamamura has an equally strong presence onscreen (and coming out of it, of course). She’s freaky as can be, and her repulsive fingernails and lurching walk make for absolute nightmare fuel. Her murder is visceral and extremely unpleasant, and the discovery of her corpse is just as bad.

Hiroyuki Sanada plays the role of grim but caring psychic Ryuji well, and watching him brood silently over the deadly curse adds a lot to the film’s atmosphere. His abilities are never quite explained, though I’m sure they are in the novel, and I liked this a lot.

Some standout scenes of the film I noted from my first watch are as follows:

• The nails in the well (still makes me feel a bit sick)

• The contents of The Tape

• Tomoko’s death

• Ryūji’s death

• Yōichi seeing the tape

• The TV scene - you know the one.

These are all vivid in my mind, even now. I really need to rewatch this.

To conclude, Ringu (1998) is a very easy watch with great ideas and splendid visuals. It’s not hard to see why it’s such a classic. If I had time I’d say more, but in the meantime I recommend you check out this post and others like it.

Let me know your scores below!

Until next time,

H.E