THE RING Mythos (2002 and 2005)
Ringu 1,2, 0: Birthday
Visitors:
730
In my opinion the original Ringu mythos is summed up amazingly well in the original films. Yukie Nakama really should have won an award for her role as Sadako Yamamura in Ring 0, but alas no recognition for her near Shakespearan performance which brought Sadako into a truly impossible to ignore, empathetic creation.
The original series is a profound testament to archetypes, myths, folklore, urban legends, and dream symbolism.
Ring 0 is the Japanese prequel to the Ring Mythos. Where Sadako Yamamura is early in her college experience, and dealing with the typical issues of trying to succeed in her love for theatre, and her romantic life. She is cursed, and is generally unaware when this seemingly multiple personality takes over her being, in this Shakespearean tragedy of a film that leaves one wishing it could have ended differently. Truly a masterpiece which inspired me to submit a sort of comical comic strip parody to a Ring 0 art contest last year, where I won third place, which was pretty exciting. You can see the finished comic on the website's media page.
The system of directing is much different in Ring 0, and it's abundantly evident it isn't a job from Hideo Nakata (Dark Water, Ring & Ring 2, Don't look up). Fans of the other two films may have been disappointed about this; but make no mistake about it, director Norio Tsuruta (Kakashi-AKA Scarecrow) knows his business in this field. In the horror sense, the film acts with the same pursuit as its predecessors but isn't quite as hidden. Even so, Ring 0 is still a subconscious horror movie. It provides a chance for the viewers mind to develop most of its own fears, but the difference here is that what's supposed to be feared has a larger and different entity. This brings along the drama mix. The film now becomes a true character analysis of Sadako. A new side of this once completely creepy and tormented soul is shown. The stronger sense of gloom evolves scene for scene, making Ring 0 a film that stands on its own; other than relying on Nakata's vision to survive.
In one aspect, this film completely surpasses Ring and Ring 2 in terms of acting. Not to say the other two films weren't wonderfully acted, but there's an artistic achievement here. Yukie Nakama was a fantastic choice for the role of Sadako. I bet you never thought you would say, "Sadako is a hottie." Well, thanks to Nakama, you can. She isn't just beautiful, though, her depiction of the rancorous Yamamura takes the character to a much-elevated level, and it's genius. Not once in the film is it understandable to be terrified of this character; yet it's never obvious to feel for her sadness either. Nakama makes her presence very shady, someone you aren't sure how you feel about. Her movements are learned perfectly. She slowly staggers along (much like Bill Murray's baby steps in What about Bob, minus the comedy), head never facing before her, always watching her footsteps cautiously. Every move she makes is frail, and it appears she could cave in at any given moment. Sadako actually fears herself, even more so than the people around her do.
Sadako in love? This is acceptable. The only person she feels herself able to convert with is Toyama (Seiichi Tanabe), the sound FX and musical source at the theater. He is the only person that wants to be fond of Sadako, and he accomplishes this task fully by falling for her. All the nightmares he has been told about from other troupe members goes in one ear and out the other. Toyama feels something for Sadako no one ever has, and vice versa. Tanabe gives a fine performance here, even standing out in some scenes. A particularly genuine moment for both Tanabe and Nakama is the two staring at each other through a plate glass window, Toyama inside the theater booth and Sadako on the outside. No subtitles are provided here, neither is hear-able conversation as they place their hands together on the glass as if they can feel one another's touch, they say something unheard. It seems clear they are showing their affection. This sequence is well thought and beautifully captured (not horror, but very entrancing), keep an eye out for it.
As like its predecessors, Ring 0 carries no gore at all. Some blood, but very little. It doesn't live off that element, though. The whole series is about frightful imagery, scenes that are stamped on you forever (ALA twins in The Shining, Zelda from Pet Sematary). And these scenes are everywhere. Some things aren't even captured during a first viewing of the film. This makes these metaphors even creepier. They were there before you even saw them, violating your brain furtively. Then, there are some elements that make their presence gleefully known in Ring 0, the finale being the most effective and perfect example. However, to truly grasp the overall feel of this, it can't be discussed in-depth. It would only be taking away from the moody result of Birthday, so it must be watched for the full appreciation.
Ring 0 is nearly a complete triumph; it goes far and beyond its own expectations, and almost makes Ring 2 appear as just another sequel. This isn't the first time a 3rd entry in a series improved on the story, but the big difference is that Birthday is a prequel, going back to the basis of who and what is responsible for the future of horrific events. Sometimes it almost moves too slowly, but never long enough to become a full annoyance. It still comes highly recommended. But be warned, this isn't ALL horror. Very moody and sometimes even art house like. Ultimately, Ring 0 is a very worthy effort in the Asian ghost story genre.