Ju-on: The Grudge

Along with other Asian horror films that were highly touted, Ju-on: The Grudge had terms like "sheer unrelenting terror", "most horrific in cinematic history" and "creates an atmosphere of extreme dread" attached to it. I can't agree with any of those statements. This is another one of those movies that's been praised to the high heavens, only to let you down because of high expectations ? well, for me anyway.

Bearing more than just a passing resemblance to its popular predecessor Ringu, Ju-on: The Grudge leaves me with only an ambivalent taste in my horror palette. Maybe that's why I wasn't all that impressed with the story or the scares ? I just didn't care.

The story is about a haunted house in a Tokyo suburb where a murder has taken place. The rage around the violent act has spawned an evil curse for all who enter. The plot continues with the story of several characters and their experience with the evil and the ghosts in reverse chronological order.

If you're easily scared or impressed with little boys with powdered faces and eyeliner, then this might be considered "creepy" or "eerily atmospheric." For avid horror fans I'd say if you want to know what all the rage is ? then check it out, but put it lower on your list after Ringu, Oldboy, or The Eye. However, don't watch the trailer if you're really interested in this movie; it contains all the scares.

The DVD does come with interviews, trailer and an option to watch it dubbed in English.