Asian Horror Movies...

[Zêus]

It seems like Asian horror was a bit of a indy concept, only known to a handful of 'cult' followers who were starting to catch on in the mid-90's. Then of course the Ring came to America and blew the genre out of the water. Now every year we get a handful of remakes, some good ( The Ring ), some terrible ( Pulse, The Grudge, The Ring Two... etc ). For those of you who want to know some of best ( and scariest ) titles, here's a quick list of my personal picks. This is also a great example of how far someone will go to procrastinate studying for finals. And by all means use this post to add to it.

Ju-On

Technically this isn't even the original, the first version of this movie was done with a digital camera for a one hour TV special. When Takashi Miike was allowed to make a film version, he pulled out all the stops and made a timeless classic. The movie follows multiple stories that all come together in the end, leaving you satisfied and utterly creeped out. This director was so talented he made a sequel Ju-On 2 that was just as scary as the original. The American remake doesn't even scratch the surface of how well done the original is.

Suicide Club

The first 5 minutes of this movie leave you speechless. And it doesn't let up from there. This isn't as much a horror movie as it is a deep psychological study of how pop culture ( especially pop music ) is destroying the youth of society, leaving them nothing to live for. This doesn't have a lot of jump at you scares, but after watching it you'll know you have to see it again, but be in no rush to do so.

Battle Royale

Most people had seen this movie before they heard of The Ring, because it's just so much fun. Not as scary as other J-Horror films, but easily one of the most entertaining. Premise is very simple, due to overpopulation adults take college students, throw them on an island, and watch them fight to the death. You'll also get to see Gogo outside of Kill Bill doing some serious damage, and looking twice as twisted.

Ringu

Yes, anyone who tries to fein knowledge of Asian Horror will probably drop this name as quickly as they can, but you have to acknowledge what started the craze. When this movie came out in 1998 it shocked Asia and most of Europe. Then ofcourse it was bought by an American studio and remade for our attention spans. Not that the remake isn't the best of the bunch, it just can't compare to how creepy the original is.

Acacia

Acacia is new (2003 in Korea), and probably the only title you haven't heard of if you're reading this as a seasoned veteran. It has barely any jump at you scare scenes, but you think about this movie long after you've watched it. I wouldn't recommend it for a group showing, because it moves at a snails pace. If you can sit through it, the entire experience is quite rewarding.

Dark Water

After he made Ringu, Nakata Hideo unleashed this film unto the world. Truly, it is a work of art. There's no blood in the entire picture, yet it manages to hypnotize and scare you to the core. It's more then just a horror movie, but an example of how the genre can be poetic as well. Plus who else in the world could make water scary?

Two Sisters

This was Korea's entry into the Asian Horror movement. They had a handfull of pictures before this, but none captured the world's attention like Two Sisters. Half the time it seems like a family drama, and just when you feel safe it becomes more disturbing then you can imagine.

Shutter

This movie will be in theatres soon, not to mention Alliance Atlantis already bought the rights to making an Amerian remake for 1 million. It is brand new ( 2004, but new to us ) and shot for shot the scarriest movie out there right now. If you can find it playing in a theatre near you, I recommend taking some jaded friends for what promises to be a wild ride.

Three Extremes

Thanks to Lionsgate Films ( Canada's best studio ), this collection of short movies was brought to Canada. In my opinion, Dumplings ( the first of the three ) is the only disturbing picture. But this movie is a great starting point for anyone looking to taste three of Asia's top directors. Takashi Miike, probably the most famous and fucked director Japan has to offer closes the movie with his own offering.

Uzumaki

The last on my list, because quite frankly if you've seen everything before... you haven't seen Uzumaki. This is a horror movie on acid, while smoking crack. I won't pretend I understood it at all, but it was nonetheless a fun ride. From the moment it starts all you can do is sit back and go "what the fuck?".

Some other mentions:
The following movies I don't really consider "horror" by definition because in their own countries they're viewed as thrillers or actions. But still entertaining: Ichi The Killer, Audition, Cure, Kairo, Gozu, Oldboy, Electric Dragon 80,000V, Lovesick Dead, Nine Souls, and Wild Zero.

[MC Hammered]

I thought I have seen some extreme examples of pushing things to the limit when it comes to film making but after watching 'Ichi the Killer' it sure made me wonder what goes on in the minds of the Japanese when the sun goes down.

I also saw the movie 'The Phone' and once again some of the acting in that movie sure made me think twice about finding a Korean g/f and pissing her off.

I'll keep an eye out for 'Shutter' though.

[tiedye]

Ichi the Killer is definately one of my favourites. I swear by Takashi Miike's movies. Visitor Q, Dead or Alive, his segment "Box" on 3 Extremes.. The man is demented, and I love it.

My honourable mentions would be Versus, Biozombie (chinese), and Yotsuya Ghost Story (a 1959 classic)

edit: and while it's not a horror, we can't talk about Japanese films without mentioning Brother. One of my all-time favourites, regardless of genres.

[MC Hammered]

Dead or Alive... lol.. I live the scene where the guy who was eating noodles got blasted.

That was pure originality there.

[tiedye]

Keep your eyes out for flyers up on the legal poles on Granville. I met a guy who shows cult movies like these at a pseudo-underground theatre. When I met him he was showing Visitor Q and Ichi the Killer. The theatre was on Main and 11th or something like that, I think.

[justShell]

Just started watching ... something.. with rodents in the name. they have a bunch of these movies.. this is the second one about some creeper that injected this chick with some kind of drug and then procedes to cut off her hands then arms then disembowels and plays in her guts.. very strange indeed

[Zêus]

Originally Posted by MC Hammered

I thought I have seen some extreme examples of pushing things to the limit when it comes to film making but after watching 'Ichi the Killer' it sure made me wonder what goes on in the minds of the Japanese when the sun goes down.

Yeah I put it in the honorable mentions just because it is a really gory movie, but I'd hardly consider it a horror flick. If anything it's like a black comedy to the extreme.

[Grapes]

What about "The Eye"?

Great thread, and well done posting a cool screen shot with every synopsis.

[Zêus]

^

I really liked the Eye, but didn't find it scary. It was more of a psychological thriller... but you're right I'll include it.

[EPID3MIK-7]

Great thread. I love horror flicks and physcological thrillers. Hollywood horror I can handle. somehow i find that they always break the barrier of belief, but for some Asain horror movies scare the shit out of me. And i love it.

Oh and if anyone knows where Shutter is playing in Vancouver -or- where I can rent it. Please post the info.