12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
one of the creepiest cries for help i've ever heard, September 21, 2007
i saw this movie unfortunately after i saw the remake. the remake doesn't do it justice. while it may move slowly for some american audiences, it was a creepfest galore. it was mildly entertaining until one of the ghosts began whispering for help in japanese. that actor's voice scared the bejeezus out of me!! i had to leave the room, but even then, since by tv had stereo sound, i heard him in the back room! i had never been so glad when my family came home later that day.
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15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Twist On Apocaliptic Tales., February 19, 2006
Many films have attempted the end of days. Zombie films such as Dawn Of The Dead, 28 Days Later, 12 Monkeys to name a few. All of them have their own story but never had their own Feel. Get Ready for PULSE. A J-horror film to it's own completely that will leave you thinking about the film long after a viewing.
To keep this short and without going into ruining the story for you. This is not like any Asian Horror film you've seen before. It's not for those looking for a gore fest but, those that like artistic films with a message may enjoy this much. It's not so easy to understand but in Japanese culture films don't spoon feed the story to the viewer. This way you get to take away from it what you feel and still (hopefully) understand the story. It's not so hard and you don't have to look far to see the undertone of this film is that we are all living in a world where we are all seperate. There is no sense of community and we are living like ghosts. If you aren't, then you're one of the few who isn't paralized by consumerism and (more importantly) internet. We've never been so connected yet so separate.
I think it's perfect for anyone planning on comparing the American release or who's in the mood for something deep and atmospheric. If you're into Teen horror flix or the famous blood soaked asian shock flix this is not for you. This is unto itself and will pull those viewers with a though process deep inside only to turn you out full of thoughts and urging for a second viewing.
Only dissapointment is the distribution company was so cheap that they FORCE you to watch their previews. If you try to skip them you can't get into the menu. Although the previews were interesting they had nothing to do with the film in any relation and this company will not get another purchase from me unless they had something I definately wanted. The price for the DVD is so high... you should be able to have a working menu if you find the way around those previews. Making the menu not work if you pass around the previews is only an annoyance and is a total shame on the Production company and the studios. I hope the stingy hollywood studios don't catch on to the process because I would honestly stop buying DVDs that perform like this.
Feature presentation 4 STARS
DVD EXTRAS 2 STARS (a little thin/Ok for Asian film)
SUBS -FAILED A LITTLE DELAY! COME ON! $20 DVD!
DVD Transfer 5 STARS Feature Presentation looks great
DVD Production -FAILED (forced previews dud menu if bypassed)
Magnolia DVD Production is the worst of all Asian turn outs. Check companies like TARTAN for QUALITY Films THIS IS NOT WORTH 20$ BUT MAYBE $9.99 IF YOU CAN BUY THE INTERNATIONAL OFFICAL RELEASE MAGNOLIA DOESN'T DESERVE $20 FOR THIS TRANSFER.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Watch this version, not the remake, September 12, 2007
I saw the American remake first and was put off the idea of an original. Friends talked me into getting a copy (thank you) and as usual the original film is far and away the better version.
A very disturbing film about ghosts, technology, internet despair, loneliness, and the collapse of society.
Fascinating that special effects can be sparse, but you can have the wits scared out of you by one good professional contortionist. The movie does a great job of playing into visual and auditory notions of right and wrong.
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