Renbo, I know you were slathering over a film called Ring a few months ago. I just noticed that my local video store has a film called "The Ring", and I was wondering if it was the same, and if so, is it worth renting?

If its the original then yes.

If its the remake then burn it.

(the original is Japanese, subtitled).

But trust me, if you only ever watch one foreign film in your entire life, then let this be it.

IIRC Ren said the origional was simply 'Ring'. This one was 'The Ring'.

I thought the original was "Ringu" or something like that..

Ring is the original Japanese horror film based on a book by some Japanese person whos name I can't begin to remember. The Ring was a 2002-2003 American remake of the original Japanese version, only the plot was editted heavily (according to Ren). Also according to Ren, The Ring was a piece of garbage while Ring was excellent. I didn't think The Ring was all that bad, just a little weird.

Vega and Zark speak the truth.

Ring (1997) was a hugely successful horror film based on the trilogy of books written by Koji Suzuki (highly recommened although only two are in english).

"The Ring", starring Niomi Watts is an up to date remake which suffers from "Hollywoodization syndrome". Any tension or real suspense is replaced by cheap scares and gore.

"The Ring" is ok, by its own standards, but hardly lives up to the original Jap film, so by all means see it.

However, if you wish to see the original, see that first, or this one will royally spoil it.


Omnae: Ringu is Ring in Japanese.


I also recommend the other films in the series, Ring 2 , The spiral and Ring 0.
Much fun.

I thought The Ring was quite effective as a horror film. But I have fear of corpse-looking ghosts so it could be just me. I refuse to even be in the same room if it is playing on the TV.

I am still curious about Ringu, though, and I will probably rent it one day just to see if it's really better.

*agrees with Ren Wholeheartedly*

Ring / Ringu is (IMO) a much better film, and storyline wise it makes more sense. Mainly because the entire story revolves around the Japanese cultural themes of Honour/ dishonour/ saving face etc... Which is something that doesn't really translate into the Hollywood remake.

I would recommend you to watch the original, 'Ring' (Ringu), first, because there are big twists which will only get spoiled.

This is actually one of my favourites, the whole feel of the film is brilliant. Hideo Nakata's directing is superb, he really knows how to smother you in suspense, he creates a really suffocating atmosphere, which slowly builds up and doesn't let go.

Watch it late at night with all the lights out on your own.

Thats how I came across it, I was up late one night lazing in bed, flicked over to channel 4 and just came across it, and it had me hooked. I own it on DVD now, heh

What I liked best about it, was that it wasn't some huge special effects big budget extravaganza, just a really clever twist on urban legend and Japanese mythology , cleverly directed. A small film with a great plot.

Suffice to say I groaned when I heard they were going to remake it at the time.

Although initially you'll find hearing everyone speaking Japanese is a little strange for your ears to get used to, they do quickly, and you'll soon get absorbed into it and forget about it.

Though, I would say once again, see the original first, for the remake will just kinda spoil it, and it won't have the same impact.


http://www.tartanvideo.com/shwin.asp?spid=230

Thanks guys, I think I will see if I can get my hands on Ringu first.

Although initially you'll find hearing everyone speaking Japanese is a little strange for your ears to get used to, they do quickly, and you'll soon get absorbed into it and forget about it.

Not that strange, heh. I watched the Seven Samurai, the original, while the rest of the family groaned about not knowing what was going on. But, I had the remote, so I was in charge. :)

heh...I've just edited a link in there.