リング AKA Ringu

7.2/10
Horror
1998
1h 36m
PG

Ringu (1998) is a chilling Japanese supernatural horror classic directed by Hideo Nakata, following journalist Reiko Asakawa as she investigates a deadly cursed videotape that kills viewers within seven days. Featuring the iconic ghost Sadako Yamamura, this influential J-horror masterpiece delivers slow-burn psychological terror, haunting atmosphere, and one of the most unforgettable scares in horror history.

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Genres

Horror Mystery

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Ringu is a groundbreaking Japanese horror masterpiece directed by Hideo Nakata that forever changed the landscape of psychological and supernatural cinema. Released in 1998, the film follows determined journalist Reiko Asakawa, portrayed by Nanako Matsushima, as she investigates a chilling urban legend about a mysterious videotape that causes anyone who watches it to die exactly seven days later. What begins as a routine investigation quickly spirals into a deeply unsettling journey into grief, technology-driven fear, and the terrifying unknown. Unlike typical Western horror films that rely heavily on jump scares and gore, Ringu builds its reputation through slow-burn tension, eerie atmosphere, and psychological dread, making it one of the most influential J-horror films ever produced.

At the heart of Ringu (1998) lies its haunting narrative structure and emotionally grounded storytelling. Reiko’s investigation leads her to the cursed tape itself, after which she begins a desperate race against time to uncover the origin of the curse and save both herself and her young son, Yoichi Asakawa. The film masterfully blends elements of mystery, supernatural horror, and investigative thriller, keeping viewers in a constant state of unease. The cursed videotape sequences — filled with surreal, symbolic imagery — became some of the most iconic moments in horror history. These scenes helped redefine how fear could be communicated through suggestion and atmosphere rather than explicit violence. The film’s deliberate pacing and minimalist sound design amplify the dread, proving that psychological horror can be far more disturbing than graphic spectacle.

One of the most compelling aspects of Ringu is its cultural and technological commentary. Emerging at the cusp of the digital age, the film taps into late-20th-century anxieties about media, isolation, and the unknown consequences of modern technology. The cursed videotape acts as both a literal and metaphorical virus, spreading fear through ordinary household devices. This concept felt especially fresh in 1998 and continues to resonate in today’s era of viral digital content. The terrifying presence of Sadako Yamamura, the film’s iconic onryō (vengeful spirit), became one of horror cinema’s most recognizable figures. Her eerie movements, long dark hair obscuring her face, and unforgettable emergence from the television screen created a new visual language for supernatural horror that has been widely imitated but rarely matched.

The global impact of Ringu (1998) cannot be overstated. The film sparked the international boom of Japanese horror (J-horror) and directly inspired the successful American remake The Ring, directed by Gore Verbinski. Beyond remakes, Ringu influenced countless horror films, television series, and filmmakers worldwide, proving that subtle psychological terror could achieve massive commercial and critical success. Today, the film is widely regarded as a cornerstone of modern horror cinema and a must-watch for fans of supernatural thrillers. Its legacy endures through its chilling atmosphere, memorable villain, and intelligent storytelling — qualities that continue to captivate new generations of viewers seeking truly effective horror.