Monday Movie Review

Dark Water

Synopsis:

Yoshimi is fighting for custody of her daughter, but more menacing problems have begun to plague her in her dreary apartment. An inexplicable odd pattern appears on her ceiling, and when she has a recurrent visions of a strange girl and of a red bag she used to own when she was a child, Yoshimi fears for her sanity.

My thoughts:

"Dark Water" is a simple and decent flick, but it immediately gives off a sense of dread that you can't shake-off and ignore. The slow storytelling pays off immensely because you can't help but anticipate what's going to happen next or when the next scare is going to happen. If you aren't into gory slasher flicks, then the slow-paced and creepy atmosphere of "Dark Water" will surely interest you. However, it doesn't pack the same punch like in "Ringu," but the "climatic scare points" give off a large amount of terror that isn't often seen. They're fraught with tension and the characters don't seem to be scared as much as the viewer. Oddly enough, the dark spot on the ceiling is almost a character in its self. Though, its obvious appearance is nothing more than a spot on the ceiling, Yoshimi sense of unease and the evil aura surrounding that area is easy to understand.

It remains quietly sympathetic throughout, because you can easily tell her relationship with her daughter is completely loving but her sometimes hysterical outbursts take away any chance she has with her daughter. Actress  Hitomi Kuroki characterizes Yoshimi perfectly, with an obvious understanding. "Dark Water" which is often overlooked in comparison to "Ringu", is just as good as the latter.

Apartment 1303

Synopsis:

While celebrating her new apartment with her friends, a young woman suddenly and inexplicably leaps from the balcony, killing herself. Unconvinced that it was a suicide, the victim's sister searches for the sinister truth behind the tragedy. Her investigation into the apartment reveals a dark mystery and the existence of an unspeakable powerful evil.

My thoughts:

There's something about Japanese horror movies that always seem to keep me entertained and wanting more. At first, I wasn't sure I'd like this one, but surprisingly, I really enjoyed this one. I admit there were some cliche moments. Most of the movie was suspenseful and scary.  Although it is not one of those jump out of your seat type of horror, it does have a certain creepiness about it that is sure to get your attention. Most of all, it was all-around disturbing and certain situations were complete asinine. The story itself is good but it seems to come and go. Just when it starts to makes sense, it withdraws and becomes senseless again. The plot allowed time for character development, which gave the actors to show off their skill.The characters, the story line and settings were all very interesting, I just couldn't help but notice certain similarities this movie had with the The Grudge, Ringu and Ghost Train.

Overall, not a bad ghost movie. If you're a fan of Ju-on, Ringu or a TRUE fan of Asian horror, you just might enjoy this one.