Films/DVD Asylum

Maybe you were expecting "American" thrills instead of Japanese ones . . .

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mr grits

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In Reply to: Re: Ju-on (The Grudge) posted by jusbe on November 13, 2004 at 16:20:15:

Grudge is a perfect contrast to what our typical audience reacts to--startles, loud noises. The Japanese send you out of the theatre wondering and thinking if that could happen to you. Afterall, they are more "spirit" oriented with all their ancestor reverent "worship".
Ringu, to me, seemed very elegant when compared to Ring. Ring had "scary" devices inserted and amplified that make us jump or get creeped-out. I guess it comes down to being more open to subtlety of style than the obvious expectations we sit through in our films.
I wondering if Ring 2 is another original remake?

( huh? )

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Re: Maybe you were expecting "American" thrills instead of Japanese ones . . . - jusbe 11:57:02 11/14/04 (3)
Not really. As an atypical member of the audience you mention (ie, I'm in England), I'm not unfamiliar with the subtleties of Japanese cinema. I never saw the US version of Ringu, for example, since I was entirely satisfied with the original rendtition. And, in fact, it was the very power of Ringu, the pervasive, low-key but gripping terror, the ordinariness and believability of the characters and their lives which had me interested in Ju-on. That and Jack G.'s recommendation [Jack, if you're reading, are there any other Japanese horror films you can recommend?].
The Ring 2 (Japan) was poor by comparison in its execution, in much the same way that Ju-on was, IMHO. Its as if the director had decided to employ mundane jump-cut techniques to build tension as a mechincal device (as you suggest had been utilised in the US version of Ring), rather than use psychological techniques as I remember in Ringu. Only the attic 'crawling' scene of Ju-on really made me apprehensive (and maybe the office hallway shadow), but the follow-up was weak and slightly balmy.
And what's this Japanese fear of unwashed/-kempt, angry, long-haired women anyway? Is this some kind of anti-Geisha cultural sentiment?

Big J.
- Since Ringu and Ju-on are by the same director . . . - mr grits 16:59:30 11/14/04 (0)
  It's no shock that both films seem to be kissing cousins. Did you watch the bonus features of Ju-on? I was amused at how humble Asian actors are. I remember when Joan Chen had her Twin Peaks comeuppance she stated in an interview that she had to learn how to act when talking to American directors and casting agents. Instead of "I would be most honored to attempt this role" it was "sure, I can do that in my sleep".
  I've seen a quick teaser for Ring 2 (American) but not sure when it opens.
  
  ( huh? )
- Jack G., have you seen 'Dark Water'? -t - jusbe 12:05:23 11/14/04 (1)
  Big J.
  - Yes. Plus more movies. - Jack G 05:10:15 11/15/04 (0)
    Its atmospheric. It was actually my first J-horror movie. Its a bit slow, and somewhat atmospheric, but not as scary as other j-horrors ie Ringu, Juon and such.
    There are other J-horrors out there, but be aware, that they are a bit slow, and tend to have *ahem* holes in the plot. The emphasis is on atmosphere, and if you over analyze the plot, you will be disapointed.
    Dark Water: OK. not terribly frightening but not bad. Reasonable story. A US version will be out in January.
    Kairo: Very atmospheric, somewhat scarey, the spirit world ran out of space, so they are coming here.
    Uzumaki: entertaining, but not all that scarey-really really bizzarre-If the Twilight Zone had a Twilight Zone, this would be it.
    It will make you go HUH? Written descriptions just won't work with this movie.
    A Tale of Two Sisters: Korean, but similar in style-psychodrama with horror twists, has a few genuine scarey moments. A good psychological thriller. Excellent production values-better than most of the Japanese movies.
    The Eye: HK movie similar to the sixth sense. I liked this better, the main character was much more likeable and accessable. Reasonably well done.
    Into the Mirror: Korean, more of a mystery/horror . Interesting twists. Not bad, but different than any of the above.
    There are more out there, and I don't do the more violent types, that Japan used to be famous for. Korea has been putting a few out the last few years too. They are hit and miss. There is the Whispering Corridors/Mimento Mori/Wishing Stairs Trilogy, about ghosts and a girls scholl. I saw the first and it was OK, haven't seen the others.
    HTH,
    Jack

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