<p>Noroi</p> <p>A film review by Jason Pitt </p> <p>For Critical-film.com </p> <p>&nbsp; </p> <p>There's a certain something about Asian horror films that just gets me all warm and tingly. It was Takashi Shimizu's film “Ju-On” that brought this all about. A film in which the director's style and craft take over and create something amazing despite the film's other significant shortcomings, which include a simply story that is made needlessly complex through a nearly incomprehensible non-linear format. The reason why “Ju-On” was so successful in my eyes is simply because Shimizu had such an incredible handle on the atmosphere created throughout the film. The film was creepy as hell, and nearly every scene invented a feeling of dread and terror that would swell in your stomach to the point that you were just aching for the scene's grand reveal. It was the first time I can remember being genuinely frightened after a film's closing sequences. “Noroi” is the first and only film since “Ju-On” which has affected me in a similar way. </p> <p>&nbsp; </p> <p>“Noroi” left me completely unnerved and rattled by its conclusion. While it's not ‘scary' in the traditional sense, it is so well crafted that when the creeps set in, they will haunt you long afterward. And when I say haunt, I mean it. I've had an image from the film in my head for days, and it still creeps the shit out of me. “Noroi” may be the finest example of what could be considered ‘slow-burn horror' that I have ever seen. But that's not to say, everyone will feel the same way… </p> <p>&nbsp; </p> <p>The film, at nearly 2-hours, moves at a leisurely pace, and really takes a while for things to get started. Some will not have the patience for this, and will grow bored before the film even gets rolling. The film also has a few significant flaws that prevent it from being excellent. These flaws will be addressed shortly, after I fill you in on what to expect. </p> <p>&nbsp; </p> <p>While I've compared the film to “Ju-On” as far as overall effectiveness is concerned. The film is terribly different when discussing the style and even method of storytelling. “Noroi” tells its story from behind the lens of a paranormal documentary film-maker. It's made very clear from the opening sequence that the film-maker himself has disappeared, and this is the footage that leads up to his disappearance. Sound familiar? Of course it does, however this is a vastly different film than its Western counterpart. “Noroi” feels as though it's actually being filmed as a documentary, whereas “Blair Witch” suffered simply from what could be called “Kids with Cameras syndrome.” It is very easy to be pulled into the story, and genuinely believe you are watching the freakiest documentary, quite possibly, ever filmed. That is, most of the time… </p> <p>&nbsp; </p> <p>The film's most significant flaw is when things seem a little too bizarre to be real. One of the central characters wears an outfit which is completely covered in tin foil, which in itself is not beyond the limits of possibility, yet the character himself, seems to be just a little too crazy, and violent. The film is also slightly flawed in the respect that it takes it's viewers attentiveness for granted a little too often. The sight of a young boy we know nearly nothing about, other than our assumptions that he may be missing or even dead, peering through a window, can be a slightly creepy image. This however loses its impact, when the sequence is played back, with a freeze frame on the young boy, and then a slow zoom. This happens a few times throughout the film, and sometimes the sequence is played back for us three or four times. It is completely unnecessary, and even somewhat insulting as a viewer. We are intelligent enough to piece our own mysteries together, thank you very much. </p> <p>&nbsp; </p> <p>I refuse to reveal any details of the film, as I believe it's better to experience the film yourself. Be patient, and I am certain you will find something to enjoy somewhere within the film 110 minute running time. There's enough creepy imagery to keep you up at night, and an ending which is incredibly frightening, and an ultimately satisfying way to end the film. I suspect you may very well be sleeping with the lights on… </p> <p>&nbsp; </p> <p>(Four stars) </p> <p>&nbsp; </p> <p class="style1">This review was provided in HTML format, as your browser is not capable of displaying flash content. To experience Critical-Film.com the way it was meant to be seen, please download the flash player from <a href="http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash&promoid=BIOW">Macromedia</a>.</p>