I heard you on my wireless back in '52
Lying awake, intent at tuning in on you
If I was young, it didn't stop you coming through
-Video Killed The Radio Star
To be perfectly honest, i had a very hard time engaging with the American remake of THE RING. A lot of that is because i couldn't stop thinking of scenes from SCARY MOVIE, and i had a lot less experience with movie watching and reviewing. which is why i was so surprised when this movie grabbed me almost instantly.
When her niece is found dead along with three friends after viewing a supposedly cursed videotape, reporter Reiko Asakawa sets out to investigate. Along with her ex-husband, Ryuji, Reiko finds the tape, watches it -- and promptly receives a phone call informing her that she'll die in a week. Determined to get to the bottom of the curse, Reiko and Ryuji discover the video's origin and attempt to solve an old murder that could break the spell.
Before i get to deep into plot stuff, i have to mention that Hideo Nakata directed the shit out of this movie. from start to finish the whole movie is gorgeous, and its undeniable that the directing alone is a large part of this movies success. its a massive plus to have all of these lovely Japanese settings, and even in an empty white room the directing is incredible. the best word i could use to describe this movies atmosphere is anxiety. it feels like something terrible is about to happen almost constantly, and the soundtrack only emphasizes that feeling. the whole "one week" aspect of this tapes gives this movie a built in countdown timer, and the movie does a great job of making you feel just as claustrophobic and on edge as or dynamic duo.
not much else to say really. but if you find yourself eager to watch THE RING, i recommend starting with the OG RINGU
9/10
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