OVERALL: Ju-On was a very good movie. However, I will warn those who have watched the English version The Grudge - you may be somewhat underwhelmed. If you love the franchise or horror movies in general then you will (hopefully) love this movie, but it does have a few flaws that some may not be able to get past.
STORY: Honestly, this is in a way just another ghost film. So the story is not 100% new, there are other movies about ghosts and possessed or haunted homes. BUT this movie does unique things with the story, focusing on the connections between people and places, rather than focusing on a singular person or place in a static manner. Everything ties together and has reasoning, making it not only horror and suspense but a little bit of a mystery as well. There are six stories within this first installment and each are equally entertaining. the suspense is there though it is more subtle than it's later English language counterpart. The film was made in the early 2000's and shows its older age with overall video quality, certain camera angles, and clothing but those things do not distract from the movie.
ACTING: The acting is not superb, I do not remember anyone as a stand out award winning actor. However, no one was bad. The dialogue shows some dating at times, but that is just because of the age of the film. Some characters are immediately recognizable and others are less memorable. Everyone seemed to suit their roles just fine, and I did not grow tired of anyone or hate any of the performances.
MUSIC: There was not much music in this film to begin with. What little music that exists in the film is well placed and does not distract from or dilute any of the performances or scenes. The sound effects were not as well pronounced and obvious as with the newer versions (this could be because of the older quality or the understated qualities that build suspense, I personally think both cases are true). The sound effects are well placed and really were one of the creepiest aspects of the film.
REWATCH VALUE: This film is not that long, approximately one and a half hours. With the six "mini-stories" time quickly passes. The film was enjoyable and creepy as well. These could make it a very rewatchable movie or a movie one only watches very so often - it depends on personal taste. Some may be bored, others may be too scared, others may love it. I honestly would watch it again. Actually, I hope I can find a better quality on dvd to own!
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