Stars: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jason Behr, Clea Duvall, William Mapother, Kadee Strickland

Director: Takashi Shimizu

Summary: A remake of the Japanese horror hit JU-ON (widely considered to be one of the scariest movies ever made), THE GRUDGE is helmed by its original director Takeshi Shimizu. Like its predecessor, this Hollywood version of the film takes place in Tokyo, but most of the main characters are American, including Karen (Sarah Michelle Gellar of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER), a young social worker, and her peers. When Karen enters a seemingly abandoned home to look after a mentally disturbed resident, she soon discovers that there's an evil - and very aggressive - presence in the house, and it's lashing out at every person that sets foot inside. Having directed both the original JU-ON and its sequel in Japan, Shimizu was very familiar with his own tale of terror by the time he directed its 2004 incarnation. Using many of the key actors from the previous films (including Takako Fuji and Yuya Ozeki who have unforgettable roles), Shimizu recreates the story with the added advantage of a Hollywood budget (acquired with the help of producer Sam Raimi of SPIDER-MAN fame, who is also a noted horror-movie director). As with many Japanese horror films (particularly the original RING, which strongly influences this movie), THE GRUDGE relies on atmosphere over plot, resulting a series of utterly chilling moments that will leave viewers fascinated and unbelievably frightened.

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Reviewed by: philreyn
Posted on November 1, 2005 11:39 AM

I viewed this on multiple recommendations, and I have now joined the fan club. The atmosphere is gripping and has you on edge from the start. It's been a long time since I got that jab in the pit of my stomach, and this film does it repeatedly. The movie victim turns round slowly, we get a quick flash of the horror, and it's enough!.
If you want to watch a movie where your partner clings closely throughout, this is the one. Sam Raimi continues where he left off with 'The Evil Dead'. Perfect for a Halloween night!

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Aspect Ratio:	1.85 Anamorphic Wide Screen
Main Language:	English
Region:	Region 2
Special Features:	Cast And Crew Commentary, Under The Skin Featurette, The Birth Of The Grudge
Subtitles:	English
Year:	2004
Release Date:	October 10, 2005
Runtime:	88 minutes
Certification:
Catalogue Number:	823 243 3
Keywords:	General, Wide, Screen, Grudge, Horror, Occult, Sci, Fi
Genre:	Horror/Occult