‘Ring (Ringu)’ (1998) Movie Review: One of the Most Influential Movies in Recent Years

Martin Cid Martin Cid
The Ring (Ringu) (1998)

Ring is directed by Hideo Nakata and this is one of the most important movies in recent decades. A seminal work if there ever was one and which has created a trend that you surely must have noticed: specters who walk with broken limbs.

Starring Nanako Matsushima and Miki Nakatani.

A gem.

Storyline

Two girls discover a tape that after they see it, they receive a call that says “you will die in seven days”. A journalist investigates this story and gets ahold of the tape.

The Ring (Ringu) (1998)
The Ring (Ringu) (1998)

Movie Review

This movie was the start of Oriental horror films. After this movie there were more, some were better and others not so good. This is a cult movie, a seminal film of a kind of movie making and the opening of Oriental movies in the West.

This is an intelligent film and although its formula has been repeated and perfected, it has the merit of being the first one (above all) and it is told with style, intelligence, rhythm and structure. It has an Oriental feel, that slower narrative, paused and full of intrigue (there is a famous American remake, The Ring, that made this story even more famous, and is also really good).

I saw it years ago and it still has its original spirit, its terrifying essence and for once, I have to admit that the original is better, has more of an essence and the exotic touch that makes it much more original.

Our Opinion

It is sublime and one of the most influential movies in recent years. A cult movie we venerate.

The Ring (Ringu) (1998)
The Ring (Ringu) (1998)

Reviews

“The original and best: a genuinely scary movie (…) ‘Ring’ has indescribably disturbing moments that frightened me out of my wits (…) Rating: ???? (out of 5)” Peter Bradshaw: The Guardian

“It’s not so much the gore that interests Nakata as the reporter (Nanako Matsushima) digs into the case, it’s the subtle dread that keeps you up at night in a cold, clammy sweat (…) Rating: ???? (out of 4)” Peter Travers: Rolling Stone

Director

Hideo Nakata

Hideo Nakata

Cast


Nanako Matsushima / Reiko Asakawa

Miki Nakatani / Mai Takano

Hiroyuki Sanada / Ryuji Takayama

Yûko Takeuchi / Tomoko Oishi

Hitomi Satô / Masami Kurahashi

Yôichi Numata / Takashi Yamamura

Yutaka Matsushige / Yoshino
Katsumi Muramatsu / Koichi Asakawa
Rikiya Ôtaka / Yoichi Asakawa
Masako / Shizuko Yamamura

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