Japanese horror: A genre unlike any other

If there’s one genre in film I want to explore, but I’m hesitant too because it’s simply too creepy – it’s Japanese horror. I’ve seen a few J-Horror films and I have to say, they are exquisitely uncomfortable to watch, which is a good thing.

Image source: youtube.com

Here are three examples.

Ringu (1998)

The pinnacle of J-Horror, “Ringu” kept me awake for a week. I rented the DVD with a couple of friends before the American remake came out and we had a blast watching it. You could cut the atmosphere with a knife. For those who haven’t seen it, it’s about a videotape that’s cursed. The tape kills anyone who watches it after seven days.

Image source: Wikipedia.org

Audition (1999)

Takashi Miike is by no means, a simpleton. This Japanese director has a brilliant vision, which he oftentimes mixes in with his own twisted fantasies. The most well-known of his works is 1999’s “Audition” (“O-dition”). The first half of the film is akin to a romantic drama. But the second half spirals down into hell so fast that you want have time to adjust. The visuals alone will leave you catatonic for a bit.

Ju-On: The Grudge (2000)

“The Grudge” as it is known by Western viewers is a fun, dark ride in the vein of “Ringu.” Though this is another curse-based plot, “The Grudge” pours more of itself into horror than creepiness. Another must-watch.

Hi, the name’s Joe Cianciotto and I’m a San Francisco Bay Area-based architect. I like to write about buildings, new gadgets, and movie blockbusters. Follow me on Twitter for similar updates.