THE RING (2002) is based on a wildly popular 1998 Japanese film entitled RINGU. Ideally it would be better to view the original first then watch the American version, which as US remakes go (especially concerning horror films) isn't too bad. The basic plot of a video that kills people after they watch it is still left intact but some parts are a little over done. The "killer video" itself is quite different from the original but all in all I'd recommend it to viewers who aren't expecting all that much. They may be surprised.
It's good to see English actor Brian Cox (the original Hannibal Lechter) essaying another odd ball (but awesome) role.
Director Gore Verbinski went on to do the Disney theme park based blockbuster PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN. THE RING 2 (see below)) by another director also starred Naomi Watts. The Japanese version spawned several off shoots and a TV series!
THE RING-2-2005-This disapointing sequel has it's moments but overall is drawn out and pointless. The dead girl on film from the original returns to possess Naomi Watts' son. LAND OF THE DEAD's Simon Baker tries to help but winds up with a distorted face. Elizabeth Perkins, Gary Cole and Sissy Spacek all have small roles. Considering Hideo Nakata who directed the original RINGU and RINGU 2 made this it should have been better.
For more bizarre Japanese horror check out AUDITION, GHOST ACTRESS and ANOTHER HEAVEN.
Thanks for reading!
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