It would seem that all Ringu films have a set number of requirements: a creepy ghost, an old well, a chilling video, and a gorgeous female protagonist. In this sense, the movie Sadako succeeds, the long haired woman from the well transforming herself from a collection of pixels on a dusty video cassette, to a Trojan that rampages across the internet. During the conversion process from analogue to digital, much of Sadako's back-story appears to have been left behind, and some plot points from Ringu 2 and 0 are inexplicably forgotten.
As a film in general, Sadako offers a considerable amount of entertainment, both eye catching and original. As a horror movie however, sometimes this particular feature fails to satisfy its audience, and though the first half of the film offers a unique feel when in contrast with its predecessors, there are some moments when the attempts at horror are too abrupt. Sadako has always been most terrifying at her subtlest, so, when she decides to appear on several televisions at once, or broadcast herself on the largest screen she can find, the mode of terror the Ringu series is known for ceases, and is instead replaced with quantity over quality.
In a world dominated by internet technologies, to transfer Sadako onto mainstream media seems like the logical next step in revitalizing the fear. The first time you witness Sadako's hand erupt from a screen, you cannot help but lean back in fear of her grabbing you. However, as this happens more and more, you inevitably feel slighted that other original concepts were not included.
When it comes to the effects, these cannot be faulted, which offer some dark, if not occasionally, disturbing images. Even when these are used to produce clichéd scare tactics, a decent amount of fear can be realized, but unlike the previous films that stayed with you after the credits rolled, Sadako, despite the inclusion of 3D effects, fails to continue materializing after the film is over.
In previous installments, the heroine has been an intellectual, using brain rather than brawn to investigate the horror, which is why it may seem strange the lead in this film is representative of the stereotypical victim, screaming hysterically while been pursued by her opponent. Satomi Ishihara portrays Akane, a high school teacher, whose students begin to fascinate over a cursed video circulating online.
Rather than dying with their faces contorted in fear, those who view the footage are instead drawn to suicide, much like the man in the video, the tape that terrified audiences in the original feature been replaced with a new model. After one of her students takes her own life, Akane and her partner Takanori (Koji Seto) are drawn deeper into the new nightmare that has been created. Though there is meant to be an included love story, the affection between Akane and Takanori is only envisioned through dialogue and character choices, rather than through physical interaction, with even a peck on the cheek apparently been too much to ask for.
Part Ringu, part Ju-On, part Pulse, and part Silent Hill Revelations, Sadako potentially does its best to conclude the franchise, but in this story of vengeance and decisions, where choice is a paramount factor, is its best attempt enough? After witnessing a character nearly drown in a sea of Sadako's hair, I personally feel compelled to say 'Sadako, honey, please find yourself some shears.'
As a film in general, Sadako offers a considerable amount of entertainment, both eye catching and original. As a horror movie however, sometimes this particular feature fails to satisfy its audience, and though the first half of the film offers a unique feel when in contrast with its predecessors, there are some moments when the attempts at horror are too abrupt. Sadako has always been most terrifying at her subtlest, so, when she decides to appear on several televisions at once, or broadcast herself on the largest screen she can find, the mode of terror the Ringu series is known for ceases, and is instead replaced with quantity over quality.
In a world dominated by internet technologies, to transfer Sadako onto mainstream media seems like the logical next step in revitalizing the fear. The first time you witness Sadako's hand erupt from a screen, you cannot help but lean back in fear of her grabbing you. However, as this happens more and more, you inevitably feel slighted that other original concepts were not included.
When it comes to the effects, these cannot be faulted, which offer some dark, if not occasionally, disturbing images. Even when these are used to produce clichéd scare tactics, a decent amount of fear can be realized, but unlike the previous films that stayed with you after the credits rolled, Sadako, despite the inclusion of 3D effects, fails to continue materializing after the film is over.
In previous installments, the heroine has been an intellectual, using brain rather than brawn to investigate the horror, which is why it may seem strange the lead in this film is representative of the stereotypical victim, screaming hysterically while been pursued by her opponent. Satomi Ishihara portrays Akane, a high school teacher, whose students begin to fascinate over a cursed video circulating online.
Rather than dying with their faces contorted in fear, those who view the footage are instead drawn to suicide, much like the man in the video, the tape that terrified audiences in the original feature been replaced with a new model. After one of her students takes her own life, Akane and her partner Takanori (Koji Seto) are drawn deeper into the new nightmare that has been created. Though there is meant to be an included love story, the affection between Akane and Takanori is only envisioned through dialogue and character choices, rather than through physical interaction, with even a peck on the cheek apparently been too much to ask for.
Part Ringu, part Ju-On, part Pulse, and part Silent Hill Revelations, Sadako potentially does its best to conclude the franchise, but in this story of vengeance and decisions, where choice is a paramount factor, is its best attempt enough? After witnessing a character nearly drown in a sea of Sadako's hair, I personally feel compelled to say 'Sadako, honey, please find yourself some shears.'