Noroi: The Curse is a 2005 Japanese found footage horror film directed by Koji Shiraishi. The movie follows a documentary filmmaker named Masafumi Kobayashi as he investigates a series of mysterious events that are seemingly linked to a cursed videotape. The film is structured as a compilation of footage, including interviews, surveillance footage, and Kobayashi's own recordings, creating a sense of realism and authenticity. As the story unfolds, the audience is immersed in a supernatural world filled with paranormal occurrences and ancient folklore. Noroi: The Curse stands out among other found footage horror films due to its complex and intricate storytelling. The plot weaves together various narratives, introducing an array of characters, each connected to the central mystery.
I already love found footage horror but this was really special. A cut above. The dissonance between the creeping morbid sense of dread and the psychotically bright and optimistic television segments is genuinely disturbing. For fans of the -shall we say- scary
This found footage ghost story starts out interesting enough, has a couple of well crafted scenes which are pretty spooky, but the plot unfolds at such a slow pace that it never manages to maintain that suspense. Noroi is a found footage style fake documentary, which follows a journalist as he investigates several strange occurrences, eventually linking it all together.
The plot weaves together various narratives, introducing an array of characters, each connected to the central mystery. The film successfully builds tension and suspense, gradually revealing the horrifying truth behind the curse. One of the film's strengths lies in its use of folklore and urban legends to chilling effect.
Noroi: The Curse
Noroi: The Curse constructs a whole world to inhabit out of paranormal vhs documentaries, psychick children, tabloid news, the remnants of drowned witch villages, and the powerful demonologies which animate the central mythos. It is best to watch Noroi: The Curse by knowing little or nothing about it save that it is a fake paranormal vhs doc, the last of its line, as the researcher responsible has disappeared after uncovering a story too vast to be fit onto vhs cassettes. The only other logical comparison to this movie in scope and folkloric jolt would be The Blair Witch Project, yet where that movie felt impressionist, ambient and sketchy (in the best possible way), Noroi: The Curse brings the weight of…
This movie expects me to be scared when it shows me randomly arranged knots, and I’m like, bitch I’ve been untangling Christmas lights every December for the past 40 years, I’ve been to knot hell and back.
Took me long enough to see this. Pure, smothering dread. Grainy found footage like this is just perfect for an atmosphere of ghastly dreams, a spell descending on our minds. Fucking love the evil synth soundtrack, too.
KA GU TA BAReally glad I watched this movie after a week of binging really poor quality episodes of Iron Chef - Japan on YouTube, because here is a horror film that is seemingly cobbled together from similar low quality Japanese TV shows where there's always at least one actress and a fortune teller or psychic on the panel. This is probably the most genuinely frightening found footage horror movie I've ever seen. You could call it a slow burn, but it's pretty much deeply unsettling from the very beginning and then steadily builds layer upon layer of dread with almost nothing. Very impressive.
Pretty remarkable work. I can see why people might not like this, mostly because the form and structure is so well realized in its video verisimilitude that, if you're not in on the paranormal investigator VHS vibe (complete with doom-and-gloom music added in post), it's undeniable that this is incredibly dry. For me, though, that's the charm and strength of it. It's the found footage equivalent of reading a investigative report- it's long, dry and dense, but it tells the story so completely (very rarely do you see a horror movie that still manages to scare despite explaining everything) and in such unnecessary detail that I couldn't help but be sucked in entirely. If that doesn't do it for you, you probably won't love it, cuz the form's the main draw here. The story is good, certainly, but it's the unwavering commitment to the structure that really sells it.
I think all these creepy Japanese horror films are made as an effort by the Japanese Government to keep tourists out. I think the Japanese Government is also behind Lost in Translation, Enter the Void, The Ring, and all those classic Samurai movies. "Come to Japan!" "Get your heart broken, get yourself shot by a drug dealer, cursed by a dead girl, and then finished off by a vengeful samurai." "Enjoy your stay!" Gee, sounds like a great place to go. But for real. Noroi or, The Curse is a little horror flick that released in 2005 but has seen a steady increase in popularity in the West since its release. The increase in popularity is earned because Noroi is…
I already love found footage horror but this was really special. A cut above. The dissonance between the creeping morbid sense of dread and the psychotically bright and optimistic television segments is genuinely disturbing. For fans of the -shall we say- scary
I don't mind a slow build-up, but it has to lead somewhere. For me this only lead to boredom and disinterest.
This found footage ghost story starts out interesting enough, has a couple of well crafted scenes which are pretty spooky, but the plot unfolds at such a slow pace that it never manages to maintain that suspense. They also managed to create a ludicrously annoying mentally challenged psychic who annoyed me quite a bit.
I feel there is a better film hiding in there somewhere, it does show potential, especially in the very final scene, which is creepy as hell. But that is unfortunately a classic case of too little too late.
Spooktober III: The Haunting of the Blood October It is a crime that this film has not been given more attention, as it is not just the best of the Found Footage movies released in the early 2000s, but also the best of practically all of the movies in this sub-genre. In the same vein as Ringu and other J-Horror films, this film is unsettling thanks to its effective combination of the genre's standard jump scares with a more insidious psychological undertone. The whole case is shrouded in a harrowing and entertaining mystery that had me hooked from the get-go. The fact that the plot occasionally goes to unexpected and disturbing places just adds to the tension and intrigue. Much…
Noroi is a found footage style fake documentary, which follows a journalist as he investigates several strange occurrences, eventually linking it all together. I don't normally like this whole found footage style, but here the format is utilised very well in the way that it is used to build a highly engaging mystery. The bulk of the film sees the lead character following clues and uncovering more elements of the story. It's quite complex, but really easy to follow as the film holds your hand as we go through the central narrative. This also disguises the fact that not all that much actually happens in the film! But because we are made to feel like part of the action, it…
Noroi feels like THEE FIRST truly post-modern horror movie where talking head newscasts and faded paintings and scholarly lectures and VHS demonic rituals and spooked interviewees and garbage gameshow television and haunted sound analyses and digital ghosts hidden in Mini DV cameras cohere and pull into focus an underlying dread. Like a paranoiac connecting a web of disparate media on cork board, Noroi reveals something dark and dangerous hiding behind the 21st century every day. The patchwork found footage really gives the movie the vibe of a cursed cassette tape not meant for home viewing. It wormed under my skin and kept crawling as I walk through my house at night to grab water. Was that a specter materializing out of the corner of my eye? Is that thump in the dark my cross-eyed cat or something more sinister? Has the curse latched on to me?
I think all these creepy Japanese horror films are made as an effort by the Japanese Government to keep tourists out. I think the Japanese Government is also behind Lost in Translation, Enter the Void, The Ring, and all those classic Samurai movies. "Come to Japan!" "Get your heart broken, get yourself shot by a drug dealer, cursed by a dead girl, and then finished off by a vengeful samurai." "Enjoy your stay!" Gee, sounds like a great place to go. But for real. Noroi or, The Curse is a little horror flick that released in 2005 but has seen a steady increase in popularity in the West since its release. The increase in popularity is earned because Noroi is…
It incorporates elements from Japanese mythology, such as onryo (vengeful spirits) and cursed rituals, creating an eerie and haunting atmosphere. This cultural specificity adds depth and uniqueness to the film, setting it apart from Western horror counterparts. The cinematography and visual effects also contribute to the film's effectiveness. The found footage style adds a sense of immediacy and intimacy, making the audience feel like they are experiencing the events firsthand. The use of practical effects and subtle CGI enhances the supernatural elements, creating believable and terrifying scenes. Furthermore, Noroi: The Curse is commendable for its character development and performances. The documentary filmmaker Kobayashi is portrayed as a flawed yet determined protagonist, driven by his obsession with uncovering the truth. The supporting cast, including psychics, journalists, and mediums, all bring their own distinct personality and expertise to the story, adding depth and complexity to the overall narrative. In conclusion, Noroi: The Curse is a standout film in the found footage horror genre. Its clever storytelling, cultural specificity, and immersive cinematography combine to create a haunting and unforgettable viewing experience. Whether you are a fan of horror films or simply appreciate a well-crafted and chilling story, Noroi: The Curse is worth watching..
Reviews for "The Unforgettable Horror Moments in 'Noroi: The Curse"
1. Sarah - ★☆☆☆☆
I was really disappointed with "Noroi the curse streaming". The storyline was confusing and disjointed, making it difficult to follow along. The characters were not well-developed, and I found it hard to care about any of them. The scares were predictable and lacked originality. Overall, I found this film to be a waste of time and not worth the hype.
2. Jake - ★★☆☆☆
While I appreciate the attempt at a unique found footage style, "Noroi the curse streaming" fell short for me. The film dragged on for far too long, and I found myself losing interest halfway through. The scares were minimal, and the pacing was slow. I was expecting more from the supernatural aspect, but it felt underwhelming. The lack of resolution at the end was also frustrating. Overall, I found this film to be a bit lackluster and not as compelling as it could have been.
3. Emily - ★★☆☆☆
I had high hopes for "Noroi the curse streaming" based on the positive reviews I had read, but I found myself let down. The documentary-style approach was interesting initially, but it quickly became repetitive and somewhat dull. The story was convoluted, and there were too many plot threads that didn't seem to connect cohesively. The scares were too few and not particularly scary. The ending left me unsatisfied and confused. Overall, I can understand why some people might enjoy this film, but it just wasn't for me.
4. Alex - ★☆☆☆☆
I really didn't understand the appeal of "Noroi the curse streaming". The plot was all over the place, jumping from one random event to another without any clear direction. The characters were forgettable, and I couldn't invest in their stories. The scares were predictable, and the use of jump scares became tiresome. The found footage style added nothing to the film; in fact, it only made it more frustrating to watch. Overall, I found "Noroi the curse streaming" to be a confusing and forgettable experience that I wouldn't recommend.