Forget Ringu (Ring), the overhyped and frankly underwhelming snoozefest that was only marginally improved in its American re-make. The ultimate word in Japanese horror is Ju-On: The Grudge, director-writer Shimizu Takashi's nightmarish vision that follows a longtime national tradition of dreamy, surreal terror that goes as far back as Masaki Kobayashi's Kwaidan in 1964.

Opening theatrically July 23, Ju-On: The Grudge is a haunted house story presented in a deliciously oblique, non-linear narrative that would put Mulholland Drive and Memento to shame. What we manage to glean is that a horrible murder and suicide occurred in the now tainted home, and anyone who steps foot within its doors is to be a victim of a curse born out of revenge and rage. Our heroine, pretty home-care worker Nishina Rika (Megumi Okina), stumbles into this dwelling of the damned. But can she solve the mystery before she is claimed as its next victim?

Chillingly effective at evoking screams and shudders, Ju-On: The Grudge succeeds admirably at creating an overbearing sense of dread and hopelessness: word of mouth made it a surprise smash in Japan's tough theatrical market, and a sequel -- Ju-On: The Grudge 2 -- was spawned.

Look for an American re-make this October, directed by Takashi and starring Sarah Michelle Gellar. Or don't. After seeing the original, you may not need to.

# posted by Andre Salas @ 7/22/2004 06:24:00 PM

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