The Ring Virus (1999)

A Disappointing Continuation

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

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.

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.

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.

I watched the movie and enjoyed it's not in your face hollywood style but it didnt creep me out much until a couple of days later when I was on edge for days (and nights!) then it hit me what a good job they did. I guess it is like blair witch project with it's unstated horror but that didnt get to me the same way ring did. Check out your video store under the foreign section and watch it .......