The Ring Virus (1999) User Reviews

Nice to see more plot lines of the novel make it to the screen

[Rasen · 6/10 · 31 May 2005]

The most important thing you need to know is this is a film called 'The Ring Virus' not 'Ring'. This is a Korean remake but with new material which focuses more on Koji Suzuki's original Novel 'Ring'.

A mysterious video tape causes the death of 4 teenagers all at the same time on the same day. One of the victims aunt decided to investigate and soon finds herself in a race against time to find the source of the video tape.

This film chose a more plot driven story than the suspense of the other versions. However the scenes change fast and characters seem to just appear at new locations sometimes leaving you wondering why they have gone there. I have read the book so I found the film easier to follow. Another nice addition to this version of the story is a deeper background about the character Sadako (or in this film Eun-Suh). Without giving too much away I felt it was nice to see the inclusion of her 'secret', that was left out of both the American and Japanese adaptations of the novel.

The camera work is average and also very repetitive of the Japanese film (sometimes using identical shots) but there are moments that work better in this film and some moments that fall flat.

I would only recommend this film to people who are fans of the ring series and would like to see the novel brought to screen more accurately or would simply like to see another adaptation of the story. This film should not be viewed as an introduction to the ring series but more as a supplement.

Overall, I enjoyed this film but couldn't help feeling it could have been better. But don't let people tell you its rubbish or that the 'new' plot themes ruin the original story because they don't and the new story lines are from the original novel and the true version of the story anyway.

Not the original but not bad

[galensaysyes · 7/10 · 13 December 2001]

The other reviews here sound as if they are at the wrong movie. This is not the Japanese film (which was itself a remake of a TV film) but the Korean remake. This one has been written about as if it were a cheap imitation, but the description in the catalog calls it the "official" Korean version, and it is not cheap but a slickly made film. It is also not a ripoff but the same story, with several changes, including slightly more sex and violence, and a construction and atmosphere closer to The X Files. Now the reporter's partner is not her ex-husband but an eccentric doctor (and possible love interest) who suspects supernatural foul play. The video is not an illicit underground fad for teens but an artifact that one group stumbles on by chance. We find out explicitly why and how it was made. The movie adds details that make the situation more concrete, but apart from raising more questions that aren't answered, this further explanation eliminates many of the story's scariest elements. The video, which was unsettling in the original, is nothing to speak of, and THAT SCENE--the one the viewer is waiting for--is a big disappointment. The staging of it might have worked in itself, but it is overlaid with a colorizing effect that is obviously an effect and takes the viewer out of the film. The scene in the well, however, is very eerie. On its own terms, this is a pretty good ghost story, and the performance of the leading lady could hardly be better. But it is nowhere near as scary as the first film.

Poor yet worth a look

[sophie_lou21 · 6/10 · 26 July 2005]

Every review I see for this film is for the original horror movie classic based on the best-selling novel by Koji Suzuki 'Ringu'. This is not 'Ringu', it is the Korean adaption of the movie. Very few people have watched this film has it had received its share of insults and bashing.

However, I recommend to any one who loved either or both 'The Ring' (American adaption) or 'Ringu' (Original Japanese version) to watch this version. You owe it to yourself.

I won't lie to you, the acting is poor and the actress who plays Sun-joo is so wooden it's frightening. Most of the scenes are dull and strange... But the scenes with Eun-Suh are handled beautifully. I watched this movie several times... And it really grew on me.

Its nothing compared to 'Ringu', but like I said, it's worth a look.

2/5 *** Stars

Another Unnecessary Remake

[claudio_carvalho · 7/10 · 2 August 2007]

After the mysterious death of her niece and three other teenagers on the same hour and with the symptoms of heart attack, the journalist Sun-ju (Eun-Kyung Shin) decides to investigate their last moments. She discloses that the four friends had just watched a videotape exactly one week before their death in a resort. She travels to the place and finds the deadly video and after watching the weird footage, her telephone rings. When she takes a picture of herself, she sees her image blurred the same way that happened with the teenagers. She makes a copy of the cursed tape to her acquaintance, the skeptical coroner Choi Yeol (Jin-Yeong Jeong). Together they seek for a hint, and find that it was taped thorough telekinesis by Eun-suh (Du-na Bae), a psychic girl that had disappeared years ago. When Sun-ju's little daughter watches the movie, Sun-ju has a stronger reason to unravel the mystery to save her daughter and her own lives.

"The Ring Virus" is the South-Korean remake of the excellent 1998 "Ringu". This version is not bad, but why the remake? The story is exactly the same of the original Japanese film and in spite of the good acting, there is nothing new in this remake. I was curious to see this version and in the end I found it in the same level of the American "Ring". But in the end, better off watch again the original masterpiece, which is darker and scarier. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): Not Available

Best version besides the original Japanese versions

[Angel_Meiru · 15 February 2004]

Damn, Koreans can make great films, just like their Japanese, Chinese and Taiwanese counterparts. "Ring Virus" has to be one of the greatest Korean horror films besides "The Whispering Corridor" series.

Sure it may be somewhat simple in the Special Effects department, but that usually does work the best when working with supernatural horror films. This one, as well as many Japanese horror films and an earlier Korean techno-horror film called "Screen Sairen", "Ring Virus" as well as "Ringu" has quite an original plot. An accursed video tape is being spread around and people who don't copy it and share it or live a lonely life, will die.And Unlike the US version of "The Ring", the video shown in this movie is not a typical rip-off of a Marilyn Manson music video. Instead, it seems to start off with being rather kind and innocent, yet abstract looking, which makes things much more terrifying.

The settings of the film are quite excellent. The scenes filmed on the Cheju Island, is quite lush looking and beautiful, I started to wish I was on the Korean islands.Heck, I just wanna go over to South Korea, PERIOD!

If you can find this film, please get it. I know it is hard to find, but it is worth it, much more than the US version.

PS, Du-na Bae, the young adult actress who plays Eun-suh, is quite creppy looking, as well as gorgeous!

Problematic adaptation of the Ring story

[refresh_daemon · 5/10 · 31 January 2008]

This film is the first remake of the Japanese film Ringu, which was later remade into the Hollywood film, The Ring. If you measure it alone or in comparison with the novel, it stands a passable affair, but you can't really leave aside some comparisons with Ringu as The Ring Virus takes several key elements from Ringu while also re-incorporating a few elements of the novel back into the movie. In the end, some of this gets all jumbled and it leaves a couple plot holes as well as weakens believability at times.

I noticed right away that The Ring Virus generally takes a different aesthetic approach. While Ringu had a lot more natural/fluorescent lighting, generally casting the film in whites, greens and blues, The Ring Virus accepts warmer tones from incandescent lights and thus adds more yellows and oranges to the palette. Furthermore, the camera takes more dynamic movements and positions in The Ring Virus, although this is not necessarily a good thing. In some way, the Corean remake looks a little busier than the Japanese version and the overall look doesn't seem as oppressive as the original. Nonetheless, some of the shots are still taken directly from its predecessor.

The story itself is primarily like Ringu. A female reporter finds a tape, which upon playing, curses her with seven days to live and she begins a desperate search for a way out of the curse. While the overarching story is essentially the same, the details and characters have changed. The partner in crime in this instance more closely follows the novel, as we find a medical researcher with no relation to the protagonist joins the case. Furthermore, the story of the ghostly villain has changed as well and thus her reasons for her vengeful ways have also changed. The story is infused with more sexuality and less paranormal science than Ringu.

Unfortunately, many of these changes, even if more closely following the book, fail to work. First of all, the supporting character of the researcher doesn't come across nearly as brilliant as he is presented as being and there appears to be some remnant of Ringu's ex-husband in him as he has some unexplained bouts of clairvoyance. Also, because he has no relationship to the protagonist, its hard to believe that he would bother to join in her quest and endanger himself. In the book, he is at least a friend of the male protagonist (the sex of the protagonist got swapped in Ringu). I do have to admit that expansion of the ghost's story does lead her to be a more interesting character, but it doesn't save The Ring Viruses from the weaknesses in the details of the story. Add in a couple plot holes and a lack of attention to detail and The Ring Virus fails to impress.

I found myself yelling at the screen during the course of this film and slapping my head in disbelief. Maybe if I hadn't seen Ringu first, this effort would seem less curmudgeon and while it does bring some interesting elements to the story, overall, the weaknesses in the direction and the story make it a slightly less than adequate affair. It might be an interesting first watch of the various Ring movies or an interesting comparison viewing, but otherwise, I think you'd be better served trying one of the other versions of the Ring story. Problematic. 5/10.

better and not

[MaxKomori · 7/10 · 14 March 2002]

compared to the original " ringu ", it has better lights, better direction, better acting maybe and scenes are very beautiful but to my mind the original movie is the better because it's more frightening, sound is more important and stick to your fear, and the more important " ringu" is a movie where picture is dirty and wicked, " the ring virus " is just a very well directed movie and i think hollywood will be very interested by this korean version of " ringu " .

Sedate retelling of a now famous story

[Leofwine_draca · 4/10 · 9 October 2012]

RING is most famous Japanese horror film of all time, so this South Korean version of the same story has its work cut out. The narrative framework and scope of the storyline is almost exactly the same as in the Japanese movie, although there are a few differences, some of them crucial. One of the most notable things about this movie is that it sits more in the mystery/thriller genre, only hinting at horror in the occasional scene rather than dwelling on it as in the other movie.

Sadly, it turns out to be a disappointing watch, doubly so if you know the Japanese version off by heart. Where Hideo Nakata excelled in creating protracted sequences of drawn-out dread, THE RING VIRUS feels stately and slightly dull in comparison. Yes, there's a moment involving a television but it's nowhere near as petrifying as when Nakata did it. The cast and crew go through the motions of the story in a linear fashion without it ever fully engaging the senses; scary this isn't. Director Kim Dong-bin lacks the technical flourishes and sense of style that other Korean directors have brought to their work; the resultant film is passable rather than effective.

Korean/Japanese Ring Virus is quality viewing

[jefferyq · 10/10 · 26 December 2002]

I have viewed all versions of Ring and it seems my very unpopular opinion is that this version is the best choice. Why? The story unfold at a much better pace and relies less on 'mysterious insight' and the random exposition that sometimes clutters the Japanese 'psychic horror/mystery' films...you know the kind of scenes: two characters walk up to a piece of string and one looks at it and starts telling the other (and the viewer) the events leading up to the string's appearance. And no, I don't dislike that style completely, it does save a lot of time (and money for the crew) and advances the story rather quickly...it's just that I found slower building story of the Korean version to be far more interesting - and as far as my investigations have found, truer to the novel these films are based on. A good example is the omission of the distorted photographs (which are in both the US and Japanese versions) - I am told that was not in the book.

The scary, more straight horror aspect of the Japanese (and even more so with the gore injected U.S. version) have been toned down to an almost non-existent state...one of the reasons why most people probably don't like this version. The video itself is a definite improvement. The fact that it doesn't 'cut off' abruptly but rather, taped over before the solution could be given - that is brilliant! Especially in light of current urban legend interest.

Simple version: See Ring Virus if you want a more detailed, story-driven version (some say 'boring') - more of a creepy drama. The Japanese version if you want a mysterious psychic-powered ghost film. The US version if you want a hyperactive, steroid injected retelling of the Japanese version, in English.

In the end, it just depends which method you like best.

A good chiller/horror.

[DorianWynHowells · 6/10 · 1 February 2002]

A nice idea, and good execution of that idea make this a foreign film to see. The film does have a few cliche moments, but don't let that distract you from the film itself. It's very clever, very scary in bits, and the final twist is worth waiting for.

It just goes to show that a decent horror film can be made without all the blood and guts. I don't think it was better than the Blair Witch Project, but you can see some similarities. It's worth a look, and you never know, you might be pleasantly surprised.

And if you really can't be bothered to watch it, watch out for the Hollywood remake which will either be a total load of rubbish, or a good adaptation - probably the former!!

6/10

Enjoy!

Poor remake!

[atinder · 4/10 · 29 March 2012]

This is the South Korean remake of the Japanese movie Ringu.

This is no were near as good or even as scary, as the original it creepy moments,

I liked the new things adied, that were not in the Ringu.

Added a lot from the book, might sound good, sometimes I think less is better, as I felt some scenes, drag for way too long, i was nodding off for few seconds.

The acting was decent, from the whole cast

I would say the US remake is better then this movie but Ringu will always be the scariest of them all!.

4 OUT OF OF 10

Chilling

[s_sonjay · 10/10 · 12 May 2002]

POSSIBLE SPOILERS Without doubt the best horror film ever made. The feeling of underlying evil within this film surpasses any other film you would care to mention. The seen where, u can almost physically feal the evil trying to escape the TV set is without doubt one of the most disturbing portions of any film . In most horror films u want to see the killer, kill again but not this film..........u r begging for her not to appear. The acting is worthy and the looks suit the mood of the film to a T. At the end it will leave u breathless terrified but wanting more..... 10 out of 10 has immediately gone onto my top 10 of all time. WOW

Riveting suspense!

[x_lars · 6/10 · 22 October 2001]

This movie gives the concept Interactive TV a whole new meaning. Watch it and have a good, old fashioned scare! The last suspense/horror movie, I saw before this one, was What Lies Beneath, and - although good - it was no match. Add to that the rareness of japanese movies in Europe, and that makes it all the more worth the while.

Vastly inferior to the Japanese and US versions!

[Iguanatic · 4/10 · 30 June 2003]

Note that this isn't the original RING but the Korean remake...

If the Americans can remake Hideo Nakata's masterpiece RINGU, why can't the Koreans? THE RING VIRUS follows the familiar story of a reporter who must unravel the secret behind a mysterious videotape that kills anyone who watches it exactly seven days later - before her own seven days are up. She's helped in her unenviable task by a fellow cursee, a doctor whose fatal misjudgement years earlier has led to him being outcast.

THE RING VIRUS isn't exactly a shot-for-shot remake of RINGU but it is much truer to its inspiration than the US version. Most differences are only material, such as the reporter's child being a girl instead of a boy, her helper being a disgraced doctor rather than an ex-husband, and the telekinetic girl having the name Eun-Sul and not Sadako.

An attempt is made to shed light on Eun-Sul's life - which I admire - but the underlying sexual tone is somewhat out of place. Eun-Sul's first reported killing, for example, is of a man spying on her taking a shower (well, not just spying...) and her eventual death is linked to an outdoor sex scene. Isn't this too far a stretch? The director has also - whether intentionally or not - devoid this entirely of suspense; resulting in a huge anti-climax whenever Eun-Sul claims another victim.

Acting is fine if not outstanding but THE RING VIRUS is ultimately disappointing and fails to live upto its incredibly promising potential. If you're a fan of the RING saga this is probably compulsive viewing anyway but otherwise, this isn't recommended. Go watch RINGU again instead. ** / *****

Psychological horror masterpiece

[Danny_G13 · 22 July 2003]

The problem with modern horror is that instead of genuinely scaring the viewer, Hollywood seems to have decided that fog and gore is enough. Well this effort from Japan (Which was made in 1998 btw) shows how utterly magnificent and scary a movie can be with the most minimalist budget. It's based on the idea of a disturbing video, which seems to be having strange effects on those who view it. Indeed, 4 of those who watch it die a week later. Coincidence?

To be honest, I really don't want to give any more plot away as this is the sort of story, like Sixth Sense, that frankly one should see knowing as little about as possible.

It is genuinely chilling throughout, and uses suggestion and psychological manipulation to achieve the terror. A known trick with moviemakers and games makers (To a lesser extent) is that it is not what the viewer sees that terrifies them, it's what they can't see. It's what they imagine and believe is happening which can so effectively scare them.

And this movie does that outstandingly well.

A word of warning; just when you think it's over and the chills have stopped, think again. The ending is the epitome of fear, and if you're not tempted to cover your eyes you're a braver man than I.

Ringu the book meets Ringu the movie

[mojomunkey · 6/10 · 17 January 2005]

I own Ringu the book, and Ringu on DVD, I also own The Ring, the American version. Ring Virus, is all three mixed together but still changed to much to be excellent. It was not a better movie than Ringu or The Ring, but it was a slight bit more true to the book Ringu than the other two films. Personally The Ring being the first one of the entire series which includes over 5 films that I have seen is my favorite, followed by the book Ringu. The book is totally different. The hero is a man, there is no evil child. there isn't even a female lead. But the movies always have to change that. For some reason the rule in horror is that the woman has to save the man. But in the book there is no woman to save. But Ring Virus tries to keep true to the plot of the book. Sadako, Samara, or Eun-suh, they are all the same character, which ever you prefer to call her is most like her book counter part in Ring Virus. They keep very true to her and her story, also the title Ring Virus is very true to the book Ringu, because in the book the author refers to the Ring mystery as a virus that must be spread. It's a good movie if you are into the whole Ring view of horror, running against the clock, that you already beat because you are to stupid to just except your death.

The Ring story with a mysterious twist

[dub-i-dub456 · 3/10 · 1 August 2007]

This movie, a joint production between Korea and Japan, can be summarized in two words - try again. The director of this movie sought a more mysterious feel to the movie. That makes sense... Ringu was sort of mysterious and it scared us all half to death. However, nothing in this movie will scare you, creep you out, or even make you flinch. Because this wasn't what the director was going for. They even failed at the mystery part, because it can be so confusing for most viewers that they won't even care to wonder what the heck is going on.

However, I insist you watch this movie to know exactly what I'm talking about. I bought this movie at a Blockbuster, hooked by the tag line on the cover... "The scariest Ring of all!". I really wanted to enjoy this movie. Indeed, I spent more time trying to enjoy the film rather than enjoying the scarce bits in the film that will entertain few. The characters seem completely unmotivated, doing things or saying things that we would otherwise have no idea why they would do or say such things. There is also no darkness... we do not fear for Eun Suh (Sadako/Samara), rather, we wonder about her. This movie is bright and colorful. It may make the film seem more realistic, but it doesn't. It was a ridiculous move. This movie will not scare you, I guarantee. The characters are bland and it sounds cruel, but you probably want the Ryuji Takayama of this movie to die, because he is just so annoying! Also, if you're wondering, the TV scene sucks. Really, no suspense at all. No cringing, no heart racing tension, nothing.

We all know what the story is about, anyway. But, if you don't (and shame on you!), it's about journalist Sun-Ju, who is suspicious of her niece's death. After she realizes that three of her friends died the exact same time as her, she is quickly hooked onto the idea of an urban legend. Choe Yol, Sun-Ju's drunken friend, performs an autopsy on their bodies and deducts that their deaths were supernatural. No kidding. Sun-Ju discovers the video tape that she believes killed her niece and decides she will solve the mystery with Choe Yol.

*1/2 - *****

!!!SPOILERS!!! BELOW IS SPOILERS. EVERYTHING YOU HAVE READ UP UNTIL NOW SHOULD BE SATISFACTORY ENOUGH. HOWEVER, BELOW SHOWS MORE OF MY CONCERNS

Which movie is more dedicated to Koji Suzuki's novel - Ring or The Ring Virus? Well, Ring was made first, and shares some similarity to the novel. The Ring Virus is obviously a remake of Ring, copying the idea of the TV scene, as well as some other events and miscellaneous stuff in the movie.

Some examples of The Ring Virus ripping off Ring is when Eun-Suh climbs out of the well, through the television, and then murders Choe Yol, as well as when Choe smashes through the floorboards of the hotel to find the well. Both of these events did not happen in the novel. Aside from that, you will notice other events that are eerily similar to the original film. Coincidence? Yeah right.

Even though this film rips off the original, it does add some new stuff from the novel never seen in a Ring movie. An example is how they changed Eun-Suh's death from the film. Instead of being brutally attacked by her father, she is raped by the Nagao Jotaro of the book, but then throws her down the well after discovering that she has both male and female reproductive organs - something never made clear in the film. Something else burrowed from the novel is how Sun-Ju's senior reporter and close friend is included in the investigation. This was in the novel as well. While this movie may be something you've already seen, by ripping off the original film, it also contains things from the novel, and that should be the only reason to want to watch this film.

Average re-make of Hideo Nakata's brilliant 'Ringu'.

[theeye_10 · 6/10 · 26 June 2003]

It seems many of the votes and comments on this page have been confused with Hideo Nakata's Ringu(which is superior in every way).

This is a joint Korean and Japanese re-make of that film, and although it follows the book by Koji Suzuki(a great read) much more closely, it still fails to deliver the spine-tingling chills of 'Ringu'. I would go as far as to say that this film can not even be classed as a horror, as there is nothing horrifying about it.

I will give this film 6 out of 10, it's worth at least one viewing, just don't expect anything remotely scary.

Kind of boring but worth a look nonetheless

[Meven_Stoffat · 3/10 · 12 November 2008]

If you've been following the Ring series, you'd notice that there are four versions of The Ring: Ringu-Kanzenban, Ringu, The Ring, and here we have "The Ring Virus". Released just a year after Ringu, The Ring Virus is more of an adaptation of the book as opposed to the movie yet it does have some elements of Ringu in it (The protagonist being a female being one) but more with elements of the book "Ring" by Koji Suzuki (the videotape having the "Watch till the end" and "Whoever watches this will die in a week" messages at the beginning and the end).

Funny thing is, I had heard of this movie back in 2005 when I had sort of an obsession with the Ring cycle in general. I had so badly wanted to see the Ringu sequels and the prequel. I've seen all the Ring movies now (except for the TV versions) and out of all of them, I'd say this would be the weakest. I have to admit I was sort of tempted to see this after looking at the image of the front cover on Wikipedia and noticing the "The scariest Ring of all!" along the top. Finally in 2007 I had managed to find a copy of the film while I was down in Calgary, Alberta visiting cousins. We had watched it, and I will admit I sort of felt disappointed after expecting what the tagline had boasted.

But it's not all bad. I have to admit while kind of boring, it was also kind of intriguing in some parts. I had read the book "Ring" back in 2005 and I had really liked it, I found it interesting that it was very similar to the book. I'll point out where: WARNING: MASSIVE SPOILERAGE!!!!!! - The opening scene, instead of two girls together having fun at a sleepover we had the book's opening where one girl was all alone, and got bored so she got some pepsi and was interrupted by a phone call, which happened right before her death - The protagonist's child is a girl this time - The tape was very similar to the book- it had the "warnings" at the beginning and the end, as well as the eye and the grandmother, the only thing I didn't like was how they had Eun-Suh's mother throwing herself into the volcano.

-Sun-joo vomits after seeing the video -Eun-Suh is a hermaphrodite in this, similar to Sadako in the book.

-The whole story of Sadako's death- including the rape and the murder in the fields- was included.

With those similarities, I was rather impressed that the director had decided to give it the mystery feel of the book. Problem is, without the horror feel, the movie bores me. Sun-Joo's acting is frighteningly awful here, she looks incredibly bored throughout most of the movie and in the scenes where she was running in fear, she was over-acting it. Choi overacts most of his scenes, at times he looks a bit... erm, too optimistic. But that may just be the worst thing about the film period despite it being incredibly SLOW. The director stated in an interview that he wanted to take away the horror element and make it more mysterious, but sadly, it didn't work.

There's not really much to see here if you've read the book or seen the Ring movies PERIOD. But with that said, if you're a fan of the Ring movies and have not seen this yet, this is actually worth a look. You'd find it pretty interesting, but be aware, this movie is SLOOOOOOOOOW.

New-style/old-shool horror

[suneloon · 9/10 · 26 May 2002]

Not unlike the old clasics like Rosemary´s Baby or The Exorsist. A great attention to detail. And an even greater attention to the soundtrack (not songs). The atmosphere totally trancends the screen and completely engoulfs you. Great film - Must see!

Reminds me of...

[rowrulz · 6/10 · 14 May 2002]

Just to add something not mentioned by other reviewers, the video in this film reminds me a lot of the Video Game Silent Hill, with the eery grainy effects. Actually, I kept thinking of Silent Hill all the way through the film.

The film would definitely be better if the 'mystery' of the tape was kept more of a mystery. The explanation felt a bit flat. The well scene at the end though is pretty cool.

What IS all the fuss about?

[Weird Al · 5/10 · 28 May 2002]

I had high hopes for this film. What I left with at the end was bitter disappointment. While admittedly there are one or two thoroughly creepy moments, overall I found the picture fairly dull and the 'big surprise' all too predictable. The appearance of probably the most common motif in the Japanese horror tradition had me groaning out loud. I can only assume that those who raved about this film have seen little else by way of Japanese horror cinema. Ring is certainly not the new dawn in horror cinema that it was mooted to be. Audition was far, far superior...see that instead (better still, watch one after the other and compare notes). 5/10

Scary movie...

[Tommy76 · 9/10 · 21 October 2001]

This movie is really great, and made scary without the use of too many special FX, just like a horror movie should be. If you watch this movie alone, well... I was a wreck after viewing it. Unfortunately the DVD is not that good, image is not top quality with a lot of blemishes. The sound is Dolby 2.0 surr. Not that great either, but still sufficient. There is one very cool special feature though... The lack of quality is however soon forgotten once you get into the movie! A must see. I´m fairly certain that this movie will be remade and butchered by Hollywood, they know how to make CGI monsters, but not how to make a movie creepy...

I was rather disappointed by this film

[mob61uk · 6/10 · 27 July 2002]

After all the ecstatic reviews for this film, I was rather disappointed by this film. Supernatural horror films are not usually my sort of thing, but I'm always willing to give something a try. The film was, though, certainly better made than many others of this genre that I've seen, but I still didn't find it very frightening, or, in the end, very convincing.

Perhaps I'm missing something.

superb

[drache71 · 8/10 · 28 August 2001]

Like the other user comments on the film, I can only recommend this low-key, dark, and very well paced film. The plot, judged in the cold light of day, is a mish-mash of familiar elements - angry ghosts, curses, a house built on a grave, psychic powers - staple fare for the X-Files. However, the film's strength is in the director's management of the central conceit - a mysterious video which, when watched, ensures that you will die a horrible, yet inexplicable death in precisely a week. The heroine's desperate quest to unlock the mystery of this video and, somehow, 'lift' the curse provides the film with structure and tension. As the hours tick away, and the deadline approaches I for one was gripped with a near-claustrophobic panic. And the climax, where we learn precisely what has apparently scared the video's victims to death, is shocking in its clever effacement of the one thing which reassures about television and film - it's only on the screen, it can't really hurt us... Don't miss.