When I first heard about the film, “The Grudge”, the big news of the time was that it was an American remake of a Japanese horror film; much like “The Ring” was a remake of “Ringu.” In the case of those films, I had seen the American version first. I liked them both, finding each to have strengths the other lacked. “The Ring” had slightly better special effects, while “Ringu” had a more coherent and complete story. It was Sam Raimi’s idea to produce an American version of “Ju On: The Grudge” after seeing the original. Supposedly it totally creeped him out and was curious to see how it might be remade into a film that would appeal to American audiences. He went a step further than the producers of “The Ring” in his attempt to capture the spirit of the original by hiring its director, Takashi Shimuzu, as well as hiring the actors who portrayed the film’s antagonists. He also opted to film the remake in Japan with his mostly American cast. As I have yet to see this remake, I can’t tell you how it turned out. I’m waiting for it to come out on DVD and I’ll be sure to let you know.

What I knew about the original film amounted to little more than the premise that when violent deaths occur, there is an after effect that is carried on long past the act itself and the violence continues. I became increasingly curious to see the original Japanese film and figured it would be quite a while before I would have the chance. Fortunately, I was dead wrong. Thanks to Lion’s Gate’s decision to release it on DVD this month I got to see what got all the buzz started.

When the DVD arrived, I set about scheduling some time to watch it. My wife and I picked a late Saturday night, thinking that nighttime would offer us the best chance for a good scare. For the most part, it’s really hard for any horror film to scare us anymore. Usually it’s because they’re just not very good, but occasionally it’s more than we’ve become so desensitized to the scares that most films try to throw at us.

We decided to watch it in the original Japanese language with English subtitles and settled in. The film started off simply enough, and for the first ten minutes or so didn’t seem like it would be very scary at all. But that feeling didn’t last. I can honestly say by the time the movie was over, my wife and I were more creeped out than I ever remember us being at any movie. I really can’t say why without giving away too much, but with the limited budget that Shimizu had to work with, he created some of the most visually disturbing scenes of any film in recent memory.

The only thing that might be confusing to American audiences is that the story is told in a non-linear fashion. It jumps back and forth between the past, present and future and sometimes you have to take a minute to figure out where you are and who you are watching. I also have to point out that the ending is rather vague and unexplained. But these are minor nits because the film as a whole is as good as it is.

On top of that, his use of sound was nothing short of amazing. There were sounds used in the film that were so unnerving that I swear if I never heard them again it would be too soon. The mixture of the sound and visuals was almost too much to take at times. We looked at each other several times while watching and hoped the other would suggest turning it off for a bit. Neither of us did, however and both of us had nightmares that night. (And I’m not I will EVER go in my attic again…)

The DVD offered up a few special features, the most unusual being a commentary by Sam Raimi and Scott Speigel. What I thought would be a really funny commentary was instead a bit dull and uninspired. They went on and on about what they were seeing onscreen and that’s about it. There is also some behind the scenes footage, video interviews with the cast and crew and several deleted scenes (including and alternate ending). Most of the features are worthwhile, but there isn’t much explanation of the film’s plot as I had hoped.

“Ju On: The Grudge” is easily one of the creepiest movies I’ve seen in awhile and it’s had quite a lasting effect on our memories…

Directed by: Takashi Shimizu
Starring: Okina Megumi, Ito Misaki, Uehara Misa, Ichikawa Yui
Extras: Audio Commentary with Sam Raimi and Scott Speigel, Theatrical Trailer, Trailer Gallery, Behind the Scenes Footage, Cast and Crew Interviews, Deleted Scenes
Specifications: Widescreen, Japanese Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, English 2.0 Dolby Digital
Studio: Lions Gate
Release Date: 11/9/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: R (For Some Disturbing Images)
Website

We'll give Ju On: The Grudge an A.