A series of interrelated vignettes of horrible deaths, Ju-On slowly reveals why ghosts are killing the living, and why it will never end.
Quick Review: Ju-On is part of the Japanese new wave of horror started by Ringu. The films in the movement tend to be more frightening than almost any other movies, and also tend to be low on coherence. Ju-On is a prime example on both counts. God, this thing is creepy.
I need to explain what film(s) I am recommending as names are not a big help. In 2000, Ju-On, and its sequel Ju-On 2, were made for television and video. Sometimes they are known as Ju-On: The Curse 1 & 2, but generally not. Ju-On 2 repeats close to 30 minutes of the first film (taken from the beginning and the end) and is not a sequel but a seamless continuation making one film. The films were such a success that theatrical versions were made—not exactly remakes, but not exactly sequels either. These films were called Ju-On and Ju-On 2 as well. Sometimes, they are called Ju-On: The Grudge and other times a suffix is added that’s a Japanese word meaning “theatrical.” The new Sarah Michelle Gellar film, The Grudge, is a remake of the first Japanese theatrical release.
Ju-On 1 & 2 cover, in a non-linear fashion, the events that happen after a brutal crime. But unlike Pulp Fiction, you can’t put things together when it’s over. It’s impossible to figure where one of the segments fits into the timeline. But it still works. Yes, the rules change, but that’s only a problem if there is a way out, a way to win, and in Ju-On there are no answers.