Noroi: The Curse is a Japanese horror film that was released in 2005. It was directed by Koji Shiraishi and produced by Takashige Ichise. The film follows Masafumi Kobayashi, a paranormal documentary filmmaker, as he investigates a series of mysterious events and deaths linked to a curse known as "the curse of Kagutaba." Noroi: The Curse gained popularity and critical acclaim in Japan and has since gained a cult following internationally. It is praised for its found-footage style, which adds to the sense of authenticity and eeriness. The film uses a mix of handheld camera shots, interviews, and footage from Kobayashi's documentary to tell the story.
5 spine-chilling Japanese horror movies you can watch on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video
When you think of horror cinema at a global level, nothing beats the Land of the Rising Sun. The Japanese movie industry has single-handedly redefined the genre and given us films that have inspired tonnes of remakes from Hollywood as well. From classics like The Ring, The Grudge to lesser-known films like Reincarnation, the country has such a variety within the genre that there is something for everyone to enjoy. You may need to switch on all the lights and call some friends over as you go through this list of Japanese horror films.
The film uses a mix of handheld camera shots, interviews, and footage from Kobayashi's documentary to tell the story. The plot of Noroi: The Curse is complex, involving various interconnected characters and storylines. It delves into themes of the occult, possession, and supernatural phenomena.
Roommate (2013)
When an accident causes Harumi Hagiwara to land in the hospital, she finds an unlikely friend in the nurse, Reiko Nishimura, who looks after her. The two connect so well that they decide to move in together after Harumi's discharge. This is where things take a turn for the worse. Strange occurrences take place and Reiko's behaviour starts changing. She starts calling herself a different name, developing an entirely new personality. The situation turns disastrous when a murder takes place.
Streaming on Netflix
The curse itself is believed to have originated from a demon called Kagutaba, which possesses individuals and causes them to commit violent acts. The film effectively builds tension and suspense throughout, with a slow-burn narrative that gradually reveals the extent and horror of the curse. Viewers are left questioning the nature of the curse and its origins, as the film explores different theories and interpretations. Noroi: The Curse has been compared to other renowned Japanese horror films, such as Ringu and Ju-On. Its atmospheric storytelling and chilling visuals have made it a standout in the genre. Despite its limited release and availability, it has gained a significant following, with many praising its unique take on the found-footage genre. In recent years, Noroi: The Curse has become more accessible to international audiences through platforms like Netflix. This has allowed more viewers to discover and appreciate its terrifying storyline and engrossing cinematography. The film continues to be celebrated as a standout in Japanese horror, showcasing the talent and creativity within the genre..
Reviews for "The Psychological Terror of 'Noroi: The Curse' on Netflix"
1. John - 2/5
I was really disappointed with "Noroi the curse" on Netflix. I had heard so many great things about this movie, but it just didn't live up to the hype for me. The plot felt disjointed and confusing, and I found it hard to follow along with what was happening. The found footage style also grew tiresome after a while, and I was expecting more scares and intense moments, but they were few and far between. Overall, I found "Noroi the curse" to be rather underwhelming and not worth the time.
2. Sarah - 2/5
I watched "Noroi the curse" hoping for a good horror movie experience, but I was left feeling unsatisfied. The pacing was incredibly slow, with long stretches of nothing really happening and the build-up felt unnecessary. The characters were also not well-developed, making it difficult to care about their fates or the overall story. The ending was particularly disappointing, as it left too many loose ends and unanswered questions. Overall, "Noroi the curse" lacked the tension and scares that I expect from a horror film, and I wouldn't recommend it to fans of the genre.
3. Mark - 1/5
I'm sorry, but "Noroi the curse" on Netflix was an absolute mess. The storyline was convoluted and all over the place, making it nearly impossible to understand what was going on. The found footage style felt forced and amateurish, and it didn't add anything to the movie. The scares were cheap jump scares and lacked any real substance. I found myself bored and uninterested throughout the entire film and couldn't wait for it to be over. I definitely wouldn't recommend "Noroi the curse" to anyone looking for a good horror flick.
4. Emily - 2/5
I had high hopes for "Noroi the curse" on Netflix, but it fell flat for me. The story started off promising, but it quickly became confusing and hard to follow. The characters were one-dimensional, and their actions didn't always make sense. The scares were also predictable and didn't have the impact I was hoping for. Overall, "Noroi the curse" felt like a missed opportunity and didn't live up to its potential. I wouldn't watch it again or recommend it to others seeking an engaging horror movie experience.