RINGU
(1998)
Starring
Nanako Matsushima, Miki Nakatani, Hiroyuki Sanada, Hitomi Sato.
Directed by Hideo Nakata. (95 min)
ON
BLU-RAY FROM ARROW VIDEO
Review
by Josey, the Sudden Catđ
I’ve
raised my daughter right.
Lucy
became an instant horror fan when I introduced her to the original
Poltergeist at the tender age of 6. I’ve since-shared enough
fright flicks with her over the years that she’s become quite
discriminating. One of those films was 2002’sThe Ring. As
the best American film to capitalize on the phenomenon affectionately
known as J-horror, Lucy enjoyed it immensely.
So
when I suggested we sit down to watch the film that inspired it, of
course she was on-board. I’m often required to review many
foreign language films, including horror, so she’s never had
qualms about subtitles. In fact, her all-time favorite film is
Korea’sTrain to Busan. Like I said, I’ve raised her right.
Being
a teenager, sometimes Lucy’s a bit chatty during movies, but after
popping-in Ringu, she sat in complete, unblinking silence as
the now-familiar story unfolded. For greenhorns, the basic premise is
a video tape that, when played, shows a series of bizarre, surreal
images. Whoever views the tape gets a phone call saying they’ll die
in seven days. One week later, they’re history. Unless…
 |
| Shoulda paid your cable bill, lady. |
Neither
Lucy nor I spoke until the end credits rolled, when she turned to me
and said, “You know, even though I knew what was gonna happen, that
movie really freaked me out,” which is saying a lot because it
takes quite a bit to truly scare her anymore. And I had to concur.
Even though I had seen the American version first and really liked
it, there’s something about Ringu that simply feels
creepier, the ramifications of viewing the tape more ominous.
Some
of that could be due to its budget. Like so many other horror
classics, limited resources can force a director to find more
creative methods to instill fear. In this case, Ringu is
neither flashy nor effects-driven, yet has loads of atmosphere,
haunting imagery, foreboding music and – most importantly - a
methodical, tension-filled pace. While never openly terrifying, Ringu’s
overall tone is one of escalating dread.
 |
| Why Sadako can't pass her driver's test. |
Good
characters and performances help, of course. Nanako Matsushima is
believable as Reiko, who sometimes places her career over parenthood,
which ultimately has dire implications for her son, Yoichi (Rikiya
Otaka). Hiroyuki Sanada is low-key and likable as Reiko’s
ex-husband. Furthermore, our emotional investment in their characters
renders the film's resolution truly chilling.
Lucy
and I also came to the consensus that few images in modern horror are
as disturbing – or imitated - as Sadako’s single, delirious eye
peering through that matted black hair. Like The Exorcist,
decades of sequels, rip-offs and remakes may have diminished Ringu’s
overall ability to shock, but it remains the best example of J-horror
ever made. It’s been given a significant facelift by Arrow Video
with a great restoration and, best of all, new bonus features that
make one appreciate just how influential the film continues to be. A
must-own for any horror fan.
EXTRA
KIBBLES
NEW:
“THE RINGU LEGACY” - Easily the best of
the bonus material, this is 27 minutes of interviews with various
critic and filmmakers who discuss the impact the film series had on
the horror genre and pop culture.
NEW:
“A VICIOUS CIRCLE” - An interview with writer/critic Kat
Ellinger, who discusses director Hideo Nakata.
NEW:
“CIRCUMNAVIGATING RINGU” - Video essay
by author Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
AUDIO
COMMENTARY – By author David Kalat
"SAKADO’S
VIDEO” - Hope your phone doesn’t ring after watching.
3
TRAILERS
IMAGE
GALLERY
SUPPLEMENTAL
BOOKLET – Cast, crew & restoration credits; Essay, “Ringu:
This Vortex of Evil Energy,” also by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
REVERSIBLE
COVER – With new and original artwork (We love the new one).
KITTY CONSENSUS:
MEE-OW! LIKE TAUNTING A MOUSE TO DEATH.
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