Hooptober 7.0

4/31 - Japan

I’ve had this earmarked for a watch for quite some time.  I picked up the Arrow box set a while back and it’s just been sitting there taunting me.  What better way to get it done then to make it and the sequel part of this year’s Hooptober!

I’d seen the American remake upon release and was thoroughly creeped out.  Years later I married a woman with long dark hair named Samara...go figure.  The Japanese original is quite similar to the remake but more subtly effective IMO and leaves enough of the backstory shrouded in mystery to actually amp up the pathos and dread.

Having the ex husband be imbued with psychic abilities of his own had its own effective internal logic and it helped move the story along without having to over explain things.  The film isn’t an outright scare fest, but the scenes at the end are quite unsettling.  Surprisingly, the scene at the bottom of the well was truly sad rather than scary.  The range of emotions triggered here was surprising.  

Terrific cinematography and performances throughout.   The arrow disc is chock full of incredible extras.  An informative overview of the series from Kat Ellinger and another doc with a number of critics including my fav Rebekah McKendry weighing in.  

I can see why Ringu launched an entire wave of “J Horror”.