This series was a solid, albeit unnecessary revamp of the Grudge origin story. It's nothing we haven't seen before in terms of story, but its execution feels more authentic here, and gruesome enough to easily warrant its TV-MA rating. I'm glad they decided to keep this origin series within its original Japanese roots instead of Americanizing it once again, as we've all seen how those have turned out... Overall a solid series, though it would've probably worked better as a 2 hour Japanese film instead.
124 Reviews
Do not listen to the bad reviews.
Ckrisis13 July 2020
I watched the first episode and was not impressed...then I read a bunch of user reviews claiming the show goes nowhere and nothing makes sense. So that convinced me the show sucks so I dropped it....then a few hours later I was suddenly compelled to watch another episode and I am glad I gave it another shot. Pretty sure the majority of those negative reviewers are teens with no attention span who half watch everything. Everything makes sense and comes together if you just pay attention for geez sake. Good show.
Dark & Disturbing
Pairic18 July 2020
JU-ON: Origins: A tv series is sort of a prequel, inbetweenquel and sequel to the original Ju-On. The action covers the period 1988 to 1997 but it also strays back to the origins of the curse in 1952. We have angry ghosts, confused ghosts, ghosts who can take on physical forms, time-slips. Much of the horror though is of the more mundane variety be it school bullies tricking a girl to go to the cursed house so that a friend can abuse or domestic violence. Some of this may be brought about by evil spirits but not all. The violence passes on through the generations and families who move into the house meet gruesome deaths. Murders and suicides abound. A dark. disturbing series, season one ends on a cliffhanger. Directed by Sho Miyake, written by Takashige Ichise and Hiroshi Takahashi. 7/10. On Netflix.
Cultural disconnect / OK-ish
danalaura-cazacu10 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I don't get this. It is very convincingly acted, but what am I am watching? Who are these people, when is this, what is up with the cats? I get that it is about the atmosphere, and I like that, but I am completely confused about the rest. It just doesn't click with my mind. I mean, how do you end up from "let's go see a cats at some random house" at rape. You see a ghost and then you run away with your rapist? Huh, why? Where is the context for all of that? I need some context! Then, you have this pregnant woman who tells her husband it is not his kid and then he decides to kill her, but when she stabs him in the back he is saying something "oh well you shouldn't exert yourself". Wait, what?
Cinematography and acting is great but as I said I am in a cultural disconnect because this doesn't make any sense to me
Some explanation of the story.
jonathanmarklund6 November 2020
This is a different take on the Ju-on story. In the original the curse follows people around, in this one; the curse is a time-loop. What happened in the past is affecting what happens in the future, and what happens in the now; affects what happens in the past. In that sense the curse is forever ongoing.
Many have commented that this show is confusing. And it is. Especially if you are familiar with the original story and are trying to get the pieces to fit. It's very very important that you know that this is not a sequel to the original movies. But a stand-alone and new take on the Ju-on.
Many have commented that this show is confusing. And it is. Especially if you are familiar with the original story and are trying to get the pieces to fit. It's very very important that you know that this is not a sequel to the original movies. But a stand-alone and new take on the Ju-on.
Great new Ju-On series
nickjo19985 July 2020
It's been a while since there's been a good "Ju-On" anything, so this chilling miniseries is a very welcome addition to the franchise. It surpasses most of the previous films in terms of atmosphere and genuine scares, becoming visceral and genuinely disturbing. It is also the most visually striking of the whole series, employing some fantastic surreal imagery.
The most important thing of all is that the story remains interesting, it doesn't just recycle earlier plotlines, instead creating it's own new storyline that answers as many questions as it asks. The non-linear structure adds more depth to the anthology formula used throughout the franchise, which is given time to breathe here as a miniseries than as an 80-minute film.
The most important thing of all is that the story remains interesting, it doesn't just recycle earlier plotlines, instead creating it's own new storyline that answers as many questions as it asks. The non-linear structure adds more depth to the anthology formula used throughout the franchise, which is given time to breathe here as a miniseries than as an 80-minute film.
Confusing
monccaa6 July 2020
I was actually looking forward to this show being a fan of horror movies and the franchise, but found myself loosing interest pretty quickly. I was trying to keep up with all the timelines, but the jumping back and forth with flashback and years in each episode got a bit confusing. I didn't find it that scary either and would say it's more of a crime show with some horror in it.
If you would like to watch it I recommend you really pay attention when watching this show.
If you would like to watch it I recommend you really pay attention when watching this show.
Ju On Point
vayo-567178 July 2020
Fantastic experience
daniyalnaeem-660373 July 2020
Nonsensical
militantcactus6 July 2020
I'm sure I must have watched a different show to those giving 10 ratings.
I love the Ju-on films, and alongside Ringu and Dark Water they are high on my list of all-time favourite movies. However, this series bears little resemblance. Sure the little boy, the cat noises, and the house are all there, but the series made little sense. It was difficult to keep up with what was happening, and had elements of Twin Peaks weirdness at times (but far less enjoyable). I desperately wanted to love this series, but I'm afraid to say I didn't like it at all. Very disappointing, and I hope they don't make another.
I don't understand all the low ratings
asmanraj25 July 2020
I've seen four episodes so far. This is the first live-action Japanese series I've ever seen. I saw Takashi Shimizu's The Grudge, but I never saw any of the Japanese films or the other three American films. I don't find East Asian horror scary, but this show is both bizarre and very intriguing so far. If you're looking for scares, you will be disappointed, but if you are fascinated by the creepy, the eerie, and the macabre, you will enjoy this series.
Loved it.
Horror_Flick_Fanatic21 July 2020
I loved it. It's a bit different from the movies which made me even like it more because it was fresh. This isn't a jump scare film like the crappy American remakes. It's just very violent.
I watched it in Japanese with subtitles to get all of the subtle nuances and vocal inflections, but it seemed it hamper my understanding of the film a bit this time. So I want to watch it again with English dubs. That's a first for me because I usually prefer the original language. But I did get confused with the crossing timelines in which several of the characters can be in the home at the same time but at different periods of their individual timelines. In case that didn't make sense, lol, some of the characters appear twice on screen. One as their younger self and their present adult self. There is a lot of time shifting and that combined with the Japanese made it a little difficult. I love a challenge so I will definitely binge watch it again.
Some people might get turned off by that. Just an FYI.
I watched it in Japanese with subtitles to get all of the subtle nuances and vocal inflections, but it seemed it hamper my understanding of the film a bit this time. So I want to watch it again with English dubs. That's a first for me because I usually prefer the original language. But I did get confused with the crossing timelines in which several of the characters can be in the home at the same time but at different periods of their individual timelines. In case that didn't make sense, lol, some of the characters appear twice on screen. One as their younger self and their present adult self. There is a lot of time shifting and that combined with the Japanese made it a little difficult. I love a challenge so I will definitely binge watch it again.
Some people might get turned off by that. Just an FYI.
Ju-on, really?
eldanjuanvicente4 July 2020
The series is clearly unrelated to the original films, except for the house. In fact, it looks more like a drama about misfit characters than something supernatural. The curse has changed (almost no one who enters the house dies), and the "origins" of the title can only be a joke, because it simply does not explain anything about the origin of the cursed house. It's not scary, it's not interesting, it's repetitive and it shouldn't be a series of 6 episodes. A 1:30 movie would be enough. The ending is pathetic. At this point, we can conclude that, no matter what they do, only Takashi shimizu can make Ju-on work.
Not what I expexted
thebgamechannel3 July 2020
Not very good.
rphanley20 July 2020
Better than expected
roberthrasmusson22 July 2020
The first movie from 2002 gave me a real fright and still haunts me today. This is what I expected from this show. It's not what I expected, but I was nat disappointed. Overall it is a good show. Not as spooky as it is perverted and horrific. The lack of jump scares are instead replaced with creepy ambiance and gave me goosebumps numerous times. Recommend this show to all fans of japanese horror.
Different, and I liked it
Leofwine_draca11 March 2022
A Netflix miniseries looking at the "truth" behind the famous JU-ON: THE GRUDGE films. This is a complex six-parter with multiple characters spread over multiple time periods, and they play around with the time too so it gets very confusing. I was baffled for a couple of episodes, but then they let rip with some very graphic moments and some spooky ones too. I rather liked it.
Who allowed this
nnruss7 July 2020
I didn't think any director could have "a whack" at continuing the Ju-on story. Albeit the English takes on it's history, this is an insult. Nothing about it continues it's legacy. It's entirely lazy. Hopefully I'll be scared in the middle of the night but more likely I'll be traumatized by the people that said "yes this is good enough."
Disgrace to Ju-on.
Disgrace to Ju-on.
More Japanese than Expected
eclectichonest13 July 2020
As a fan of horror, especially J-horror, I noticed more Japanese touches in the series over all like 4 (Shi = death ) pairs of shoes in some frames for tension and the use of a newborn in a horror context. There was even mention of a real Japanese crime in background news reports that happened in that same time period ( the girl incased in concrete).
It's a rewrite from the traditional groaning and crab walking of the original but it more than makes up for it in little touches of Japanese culture that you can't really get in something like the American film remake.
Its target audience is most likely Japanese natives or at least someone who prefers traditional J-horror folklore that can take the time to look up some of the cultural nuances. Especially with the added mystery element.
This will fall flat for someone who wants to tune out and watch something scary for a thrill. But I love it for all the above reasons. It's only sin is misaimed marketing.
It's a rewrite from the traditional groaning and crab walking of the original but it more than makes up for it in little touches of Japanese culture that you can't really get in something like the American film remake.
Its target audience is most likely Japanese natives or at least someone who prefers traditional J-horror folklore that can take the time to look up some of the cultural nuances. Especially with the added mystery element.
This will fall flat for someone who wants to tune out and watch something scary for a thrill. But I love it for all the above reasons. It's only sin is misaimed marketing.
Show was good but it's quite confusing.
aastikhimta17 August 2020
Very muddled and confusing
dfa1203745 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I've just finished watching this series and I'm torn. Torn in the fact that I loved the original films (the American ones were OK) but pretty disappointed with this series, and I so wanted to like this BECAUSE of the films. Unfortunately, this series is nothing really like the films for the vast majority of time and seems to just veer off on its own direction. Also torn in wondering how this series manages to get ratings of 7 and higher from people as I just don't see it myself.
Anyway, the series starts off OK, but it doesn't really get much better and ends on a bit of a cliffhanger so I guess a 2nd series will be in the making (unless it gets The Glades treatment). This doesn't have a linear storyline either and it jumps around quite a bit, so if you're not paying any attention then it's very easy to get lost. I watched all 6 episodes within the space of a day and still caught myself trying to remember who certain characters were. It seems to intertwine various couples' experiences who've moved into the "ghost house" over a span of years, but like I say, this gets a bit complicated tracking who's who if you're not paying close attention, which is hard to do when the series is lacking in any great amount of interest.
Another thing that was a huge let down was the lack of atmosphere, scares and overall creep factor. There were a few of these moments scattered about but the films were much better in all three areas. The series just lacked SO much in what I've come to expect from J-Horror films and I think that was the biggest disappointment for me. In actuality, this felt more like some kind of Drama than a Horror series.
In comparison to the films, this was a big disappointment. If you like the whole Ju-on universe, then there's no harm in giving this series a go, but just be aware you may be let down like I was.
Anyway, the series starts off OK, but it doesn't really get much better and ends on a bit of a cliffhanger so I guess a 2nd series will be in the making (unless it gets The Glades treatment). This doesn't have a linear storyline either and it jumps around quite a bit, so if you're not paying any attention then it's very easy to get lost. I watched all 6 episodes within the space of a day and still caught myself trying to remember who certain characters were. It seems to intertwine various couples' experiences who've moved into the "ghost house" over a span of years, but like I say, this gets a bit complicated tracking who's who if you're not paying close attention, which is hard to do when the series is lacking in any great amount of interest.
Another thing that was a huge let down was the lack of atmosphere, scares and overall creep factor. There were a few of these moments scattered about but the films were much better in all three areas. The series just lacked SO much in what I've come to expect from J-Horror films and I think that was the biggest disappointment for me. In actuality, this felt more like some kind of Drama than a Horror series.
In comparison to the films, this was a big disappointment. If you like the whole Ju-on universe, then there's no harm in giving this series a go, but just be aware you may be let down like I was.
Unexpected and interesting.
spiderdib3 July 2020
I don't really consider this as a terror tv series, it works as a way to explain more about the origin of Ju-On, obviously as the title says but somehow I don't really see an actual strong connection between the house and the characters (at least until ep 4, trust me, that episode is insane), many things happens along different storylines and I have to mention they're actually pretty interesting.
So, in conclusion, if you know how to separate the Ju-On series (along with what you'll expect this series to be) and if you're searching for an interesting, kind of deep and "raw" show...undoubtedly this show will be enjoyable for you.
Give it a chance if you can, each episode is about 20 minutes...
So, in conclusion, if you know how to separate the Ju-On series (along with what you'll expect this series to be) and if you're searching for an interesting, kind of deep and "raw" show...undoubtedly this show will be enjoyable for you.
Give it a chance if you can, each episode is about 20 minutes...
Ju On - Horror, Creepy and Unreal!
mwrwazed11 September 2020
In Japanese folklore, Onryo is a very powerful and vindictive spirit. Not only it is vengeful, but also it is a very angry and disgusting spirit. In some cases, onryo considered as a Yurei ghost; which can cause serious damage to a living person even if it is from another dimension. Even in Japanese beliefs, they are the causes of natural disasters.
The story is based on a house. Though it is said at the beginning that the series is based on true events. Anyway, let's go back to the story or the house. A very nice, neat, and tidy house. Getting such a beautiful house at a low price makes anyone interested in renting the house. Even they don't care about the weird events that happened in that house. But strange things starting to happen after entering the house. Not only entering, but even those who get in touch with that house also have a terrible situation in their life. But why? What is the reason?
I saw the first movie of the Japanese franchise. And I also saw The Grudge movie. But I didn't like that movie. So, I was wondering about how's the Ju-On: Origin would be like? Every single episode runtime was only half an hour. That's why it's easy to choose whether it is worth watching or not. I like this one. If you have read or watch Japanese literature or cinema, then you already know that the Japanese are master to illuminating the dark side of the human mind. This is also noticeable in the context of horror in this series.
At the beginning of the series, it is difficult to catch up with the story. Because there are a few timelines stories that are included. I mean, it's not a single person's story. A few people's stories were blending in it. And that's why it hard to understand the story in the beginning. However, later, gradually everything became clear. Whatever, the last scene seems exaggerated. And some questions still remain at the end of the series.
The making was pretty good. And there was also a creepy feeling of scoring in the background in a great and dull way. There is a kind of sound when the skin burns and there is a kind of sticky sound when you raise it - these stupid sounds were really scary. Again if someone tries to say something, they can't say it; But only some weird sounds come out of the throat - these folly sounds are very catchy.
Throughout the whole series, the creepy feels seem more than the horror feel. The horror scenes are not much very frightening. But the creepy feel must amaze you. But I was shocked to see the scene of childbirth in episode number four. A two hours movie divided into six episodes. Still, I like it.
The story is based on a house. Though it is said at the beginning that the series is based on true events. Anyway, let's go back to the story or the house. A very nice, neat, and tidy house. Getting such a beautiful house at a low price makes anyone interested in renting the house. Even they don't care about the weird events that happened in that house. But strange things starting to happen after entering the house. Not only entering, but even those who get in touch with that house also have a terrible situation in their life. But why? What is the reason?
I saw the first movie of the Japanese franchise. And I also saw The Grudge movie. But I didn't like that movie. So, I was wondering about how's the Ju-On: Origin would be like? Every single episode runtime was only half an hour. That's why it's easy to choose whether it is worth watching or not. I like this one. If you have read or watch Japanese literature or cinema, then you already know that the Japanese are master to illuminating the dark side of the human mind. This is also noticeable in the context of horror in this series.
At the beginning of the series, it is difficult to catch up with the story. Because there are a few timelines stories that are included. I mean, it's not a single person's story. A few people's stories were blending in it. And that's why it hard to understand the story in the beginning. However, later, gradually everything became clear. Whatever, the last scene seems exaggerated. And some questions still remain at the end of the series.
The making was pretty good. And there was also a creepy feeling of scoring in the background in a great and dull way. There is a kind of sound when the skin burns and there is a kind of sticky sound when you raise it - these stupid sounds were really scary. Again if someone tries to say something, they can't say it; But only some weird sounds come out of the throat - these folly sounds are very catchy.
Throughout the whole series, the creepy feels seem more than the horror feel. The horror scenes are not much very frightening. But the creepy feel must amaze you. But I was shocked to see the scene of childbirth in episode number four. A two hours movie divided into six episodes. Still, I like it.
A Thriller not a Horror
carminellak6 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This is absolutely not a horror, so if you are looking to be scared then this isn't the TV series to watch. Unfortunately it has been reworked and Westernised to such a degree that it has lost all that made Ju-On fascinating and frightening originally. It's more of a dark thriller that is filled with sex, child sexual assault and murder. It's a shame as it looked so good in the trailers but it completely failed to live up to expectations and doesn't hit the horror mark.
Better than most Ju-On movies
TigersWood13 January 2021
Ju-On Origins is a short episodic series with about a 3 hour total running time, so it kind of feels like a movie broken up into six parts. For fans of the original Japanese series, this one will feel familiar and fits in well with the tone of those films from 2000-2003. This series succeeds in staying true to the tropes of the original movies, complete with your standard overly convoluted plot, multiple characters interacting with each other in different intersecting timelines, and slow burn frights where most horror series rely on jump scares. Hardcore horror fans will appreciate the extremely gory practical effects, which add a certain whimsical (and disgusting) charm to the whole thing.
Ju-On Origins focuses much of its efforts to scare the audience on the horrors perpetrated by people upon each other, in most cases men being cruel to women and children, and less on the ghostly creatures that populate this world. If you're tired of the now stereotypical Japanese ghost with wet black hair you'll agree they did well to steer clear of that tired image. The big downside of this story is, well, the story... which is confusing at best and completely non-sensical the rest of the time. Feels like something is being lost in translation, whether of language or culture, and the end result doesn't make a whole lot of sense. If you can overlook that weakness and just enjoy a movie for the strong horror elements previously discussed, this series is for you.
Ju-On Origins focuses much of its efforts to scare the audience on the horrors perpetrated by people upon each other, in most cases men being cruel to women and children, and less on the ghostly creatures that populate this world. If you're tired of the now stereotypical Japanese ghost with wet black hair you'll agree they did well to steer clear of that tired image. The big downside of this story is, well, the story... which is confusing at best and completely non-sensical the rest of the time. Feels like something is being lost in translation, whether of language or culture, and the end result doesn't make a whole lot of sense. If you can overlook that weakness and just enjoy a movie for the strong horror elements previously discussed, this series is for you.
See also
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