Film Review - The Grudge

The Grudge is a classic Japanese horror film. I'd say that it deserves its classic status. The story is that when a terrible event occurs it leaves a stain where it happened and it can grow stronger. The curse lurks where the murders took place and those that witness it are drawn into its horror.

The film is superb, it blends shock with creep very well. It also uses suggestion to good effect. It has some gore, but most of it is implied. The audio is also plays a big part in the feeling of dread throughout the film.

It's also interesting to see the differences between Japanese and most Western horror films. The most obvious is pacing. The Grudge is quite slow paced compared to many horrors, but it is constantly building. The potential is always bubbling away and that really adds to the mood.

Not only is this a classic Japanese horror film, it's a classic horror film full stop. A highly recommended film.

Japanese supernatural horror film directed by Takashi Shimizu. When volunteer home helper Rika Nishida (Megumi Okina) begins working for Sachie (Yui Ichikawa), a catatonic old woman slowly dying in her filthy and neglected home, she senses that there is something creepy and disturbing about the atmosphere of the house. Her suspicions prove to be right when the old lady dies and the horrific past of the house is uncovered...

The Grudge is available from Amazon (and you should watch it!)