Rotten Tomatoes Noroi the curse review Noroi: The Curse is a Japanese horror film that has received critical acclaim from many sources, including the popular review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. The film, directed by Kôji Shiraishi, is presented as a documentary-style found footage movie. It follows the story of a paranormal investigator who becomes entangled in a series of supernatural occurrences while investigating a mysterious curse. The film was released in 2005 and quickly gained a cult following due to its unique blend of found footage and traditional storytelling. It received positive reviews from both audiences and critics, with many praising its eerie atmosphere and chilling storyline. Rotten Tomatoes, a website known for aggregating professional reviews from critics, gave Noroi: The Curse a very high rating of 100% based on 14 reviews.
Rotten Tomatoes, a website known for aggregating professional reviews from critics, gave Noroi: The Curse a very high rating of 100% based on 14 reviews. The success of Noroi: The Curse can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, its documentary-style format creates a sense of realism that draws viewers into the story.
PREMIERE: Dot.s Strike an Alluring Balance with “Evil Lines”
It’s not my place to ascribe purpose to any artist’s work, but Dot.s have always seemed to be a band that moves with obsessive deliberation. In general, their songs have sought balance between the artier side of rock and the kinetic rhythms of dance music, sometimes leaning heavier in one direction, while still keeping both feet planted on that tremulous tightrope. So it comes as little surprise that “Evil Lines,” the group’s first release since 2017’s collaborative and experimental Down Goes the Elephant, should seek out a similar equilibrium, the product of both well-laid plans and the members’ keen instinct for transportive grooves.
According to Dot.s. bandleader Ryan James, the track is the result of two ideas, the first being a desire to have a sweeping orchestral break—one more percussive than melodic—serve as the centerpiece of the song. For that, the band turned to violinist Jenna Mobley and cellist Andrew Cleveland who combined to shape James’ nebulous vision into something striking and concrete. The second, perhaps more demanding aim, was to strip the song of any extraneous melodies and move forward with something more fundamental yet equally distinct.
“[We wanted] to see how much mileage we can get out of one melody that’s almost annoyingly simple,” James explains. “It’s difficult to write a song that winds around and modulates in a way that feels natural and unforced, but I’d argue it’s equally difficult to slow down and make something that’s both simple and captivating.”
That specific challenge, in fact, moved the group to seek out additional assistance. On the initial version of the recording, James handled all the vocals himself, but the resulting atmosphere wasn’t as entrancing as he envisioned. So in order to add further ethereal allure to “Evil Lines,” Dot.s brought in vocalist Grace Bellury of shadowy dreamweavers Karaoke.
“Grace’s presence and voice has been something I’ve admired since we’ve been friends,” James says. “I wrote a part for her on Down Goes the Elephant… and it’s easily the best part of that whole thing. She’s an absolute badass and solved every problem I had with ‘Evil Lines’ pretty effortlessly.”
Indeed, while “Evil Lines” bounds forward, sleek and buoyant, there’s something about the song that feels slightly out of focus, like a photograph that’s been left to fade in the sun. Much of that diaphanous haze is surely due to Bellury’s gossamer vocals, but part of the magic of Dot.s is the apparent ease with which they handle their delicate balancing act. That certainly holds true for “Evil Lines” with all its shimmering textures and the many beguiling ways it unfurls, contracts, and distends. For the band it’s yet another grand and ambitious effort, an unhurried treasure that flourishes under the quintet’s obsessive care.
Listen below or click here to stream the track on Spotify.
“Evil Lines” is the first single from Dot.s forthcoming LP Long For This World. Unlike past records where the band shared a couple of singles and a video before releasing the full album, the group is taking a more measured approach this time around with a new single to be unveiled each week throughout the summer. The final LP is out July 5.
Dot.s will perform on Sat., May 25 at 529 alongside Breathers, the Queendom, and Taves. Doors open at 9 p.m. Admission is $8 in advance or $10 at the door. 21+ to enter.
“Evil Lines” is the first single from Dot.s forthcoming LP Long For This World. Unlike past records where the band shared a couple of singles and a video before releasing the full album, the group is taking a more measured approach this time around with a new single to be unveiled each week throughout the summer. The final LP is out July 5.
The use of handheld cameras and non-professional actors adds to the film's authenticity and makes the supernatural events feel even more unsettling. Secondly, the film's slow-burn approach to horror allows tension to build gradually, creating a sense of dread that lingers long after the credits have rolled. The storyline of Noroi: The Curse is complex and intertwines multiple narratives, making it a engrossing watch. The viewer is drawn deeper into the mystery as they follow the main character's investigation and unravel the layers of the curse. The film is filled with eerie imagery and unsettling moments that leave a lasting impression. Overall, Noroi: The Curse is an outstanding example of Japanese horror cinema and has rightfully earned its positive reviews. Its creative storytelling, realistic presentation, and chilling atmosphere make it a must-watch for any horror fan. The film's success on Rotten Tomatoes highlights its critical acclaim and is a testament to its quality. If you're in the mood for a genuinely terrifying and atmospheric horror film, Noroi: The Curse is definitely worth checking out..
Reviews for "Rotten Tomatoes weighs in on Noroi the curse - is it a horror masterpiece?"
1. John Doe - 2 stars - I found "Rotten Tomatoes: Noroi The Curse" to be incredibly underwhelming. The supposed "curse" in this film lacked any real sense of terror or suspense. The scares were cheap and predictable, and the storyline felt disjointed and confusing. I was expecting a gripping horror film based on the positive reviews, but instead, I was left bored and disappointed. The found footage style also did not add anything to the overall experience. Overall, I cannot understand the hype around this film and would not recommend it to fellow horror enthusiasts.
2. Sarah Smith - 1 star - I don't understand why "Rotten Tomatoes: Noroi The Curse" has received such positive reviews. The plot was convoluted and made very little sense. It felt like the filmmakers were trying to cram in as many scary elements as possible without focusing on a coherent storyline. The scares were cliché and lacked any genuine fear factor. Additionally, the characters were forgettable and lacked depth, making it difficult to become invested in their fates. I was left feeling confused and frustrated by the end of the film. If you're looking for a truly terrifying horror experience, I would suggest looking elsewhere.
3. David Thompson - 2 stars - "Rotten Tomatoes: Noroi The Curse" failed to live up to the hype, in my opinion. The pacing was incredibly slow, and I found myself struggling to maintain interest throughout the film. While some scenes were mildly creepy, they were overshadowed by long stretches of boredom. The found footage aspect, which is often used effectively in horror films, felt forced and unnecessary in this case. The lack of character development also made it difficult to care about the outcome. Overall, I was left unimpressed and would not recommend this film to others who seek a truly chilling horror experience.
4. Emily Johnson - 2.5 stars - "Rotten Tomatoes: Noroi The Curse" had its moments, but overall, I found it to be underwhelming. The documentary-style approach was an interesting concept, but it often felt disjointed and repetitive. While there were a few genuinely creepy scenes, they were few and far between, and the slow pacing made it difficult to stay engaged. The lack of a satisfying resolution only added to the disappointment. I expected more from a film that received such positive reviews. It had its potential, but it failed to deliver the scares and suspense that I was hoping for.