In the final curse, known as the "Ju im," there is a deep sense of solemnity and foreboding. The term "Ju im" refers to the culmination of a series of curses that hold significant power and weighted consequences. It is a moment where all the previous curses and misfortunes converge, creating an intense and overpowering climax. The concept of the final curse is prevalent in various mythologies and folklore around the world. It represents the ultimate repercussion or punishment that befalls an individual or a group after a chain of events or a series of transgressions. The "Ju im" is often portrayed as the point of no return, where the fate of the characters is sealed, and their lives take a dark and irreversible turn.
As the Saeki residence was now home for the curse, Kayako's ghost continued to punish anyone that entered the place and became able to affect other places and people through them. She demonstrated affection towards a young boy, Nobuyuki, and saved him for last after killing his whole family. In this course, Nobuyuki's aunt Kyoko was possessed by the ghost. Nobuyuki, disturbed and tired, was pursued and cornered by several manifestations of the ghost while at school until he was taken. Kayako's ghost possessed Yoshimi, killed her husband Hiroshi and later manifested to real estate agent Tatsuya, who sold the house to the Kitada couple. The ghost, at some point, pursued a social worker named Rika and caused her to be murdered by the same way she was, through Takeo's hands.
Kyoko was pregnant and the ghosts directly caused her an abortion, assuming the baby s place afterward, as Kyoko was gradually lurked and haunted by them. Ju-On The Curse is one of those movies you watch, you enjoy, and when it s over, you then read about the plot on wikipedia and try to figure out what the hell you just watched.
The "Ju im" is often portrayed as the point of no return, where the fate of the characters is sealed, and their lives take a dark and irreversible turn. In stories featuring the final curse, the protagonists are typically faced with a seemingly insurmountable challenge. Their actions and decisions throughout the narrative have led them to this critical juncture, where they must confront the consequences of their choices.
Review of Ju-On: The Curse
Ju-On: The Curse is one of those movies you watch, you enjoy, and when it’s over, you then read about the plot on wikipedia and try to figure out what the hell you just watched!
I have seen, but have yet to write about, The Grudge, the most familiar film of the Ju-On series. (The original Japanese film, not the American) Ju-On: The Grudge is decent but confusing. I was going to write up a review right after seeing it, but I decided to wait until I had seen the lesser-known prequels. Perhaps then, I would have more to say about The Grudge. With a solid knowledge of the back-story, I would be armed with experience and more able to write a decent review. The Movie Doctor inside my brain agreed and he prescribed for me initial viewings of Ju-On: The Curse and Ju-On: The Curse 2, along with a second viewing of Ju-On: The Grudge. So I have swallowed the first pill (The Curse), and…… I am less confused. Hooray! Still…I don’t know. I feel I am missing something. But the doctor is ordering me to complete my therapy, so this I will do. Also, he suggested I read up on the subject. Yes Doc, will do.
Ju-On: The Curse is a Japanese film that is available with English subtitles. It is about a house and a little boy, who at first comes off as disturbed, perhaps sad, but is otherwise normal. Then his face contorts and he meows like a cat in agony. There is also this young, bluish-faced woman who pops out of cubbyholes. Then there’s this girl who is missing a lower-jaw – yikes! These are the ghosts, and there are several more. They are all connected, in some way, to this house that is at the center of the story. Did I say story? Perhaps it’s better to say stories! There are six tales, each named after an important character within each story. The stories are all connected; some take place within the haunted house; which is a modern home in a suburb of Tokyo. The tales that take place elsewhere feature characters that have been inside the house. But just because they are outside the terrifying confines it does not mean they are safe. No siree Bob! The terror follows them!
Now, here’s the kicker! The stories are not shown in sequence. Story 1 might be take place after Story 4. Perhaps Story 4 takes place after Story 2, or maybe Story 6 sets it all in motion, or is that story 5? Some films succeed with this kind of non-linear storytelling. Pulp Fiction is one example of such a success. Ju-On is not. The tone of this film is effectively eerie, but I was forced to come down from my “creepy high” in order to figure out what is what, only to fail at this pursuit of understanding. Hence, I was forced to go elsewhere to learn the modus operandi of the story.
The title of the films translates roughly to “Curse Grudge”, which means putting up a curse while bearing a grudge against someone or something. The first two films in the series were so-called V-Cinema, or direct-to-video releases, but became surprise hits as the result of favorable word of mouth. Both films were shot in nine days and feature a story that is a variation on the classic haunted house theme, as well as a popular Japanese horror trope, the “vengeful ghost” (onryō). The titular curse, ju-on, is one which takes on a life of its own and seeks new victims. Anyone who encounters a ghost killed by the curse is killed themselves and the curse is able to be spread to other areas.”
Some of my confusion is no fault of the film and can be attributed to my ignorance of Japanese language and culture. Perhaps I would feel more at home with the film had I known the definition of “Ju-On;” or if I had the concept of the onryō engrained in my cultural psyche. But how does this “curse” play out? The film understates this, if it states it at all.
According to Ju-On, when a person dies with a deep and powerful rage, a curse is born. The curse gathers in the place where that person has died or where they were frequently at, and repeats itself there.
Yeah, I didn’t get this. Without the above description, I would be at a loss to the whys and wherefores. Basically, a family is brutally murdered inside their home (the house that is central to the story) and the ghosts of the victims come back and kill others that enter the home. Or, the ghosts will follow people that have entered the home and kill them elsewhere. The curse spreads and lives on.
I am always appreciating fresh approaches to haunted house tales. And fresh this is! A tragedy within the walls creates a curse that spreads to those that enter the house. It attaches itself to them, so that they just might happen to take a couple of ghosts home with them. I like it! It fits in nicely with the “Houses that exist as entities” theme that I have come to love
But for me, this series would be so much more effective it the film makers would just stick to good old fashion linear storytelling. I would be able to trace the deadly path of the curse had stories been shown from beginning to end. The ghosts in this film, they are so darn creepy! Their faces are horrific, their movements uncanny. And the sounds they make when moving along? Unnerving, but in a “gotta love it, it’s horror” kind of way! Alas, the out-of-sequence storytelling is a trademark of the series. Fine! I will bear with it. I just wish this series didn’t have to make me work so much in order to appreciate it!
Kayako Saeki (佐伯 伽椰子 Saeki Kayako), née Kawamata (川又 Kawamata) born April 8, 1966 in Tokyo, Japan. She is the main antagonist appearing in the Ju-On franchise, having been portrayed by eight actresses.
Whether it is due to their own hubris, flawed judgment, or external forces beyond their control, the final curse represents a reckoning that cannot be avoided. The narrative leading up to the Ju im is often filled with tension and a growing sense of doom. The protagonist may find themselves isolated, betrayed, or on a path that seems destined for tragedy. As the final curse draws near, the stakes are raised, and the challenges become increasingly difficult to overcome. In many tales, the final curse represents a moral lesson or a cautionary tale. It serves as a reminder that actions have consequences and that one must consider the potential ramifications of their choices. It highlights the importance of humility, empathy, and understanding in navigating the complexities of life. The Ju im is not always portrayed as an entirely negative event. Sometimes, it can serve as a catalyst for personal growth, redemption, or even a chance for the protagonist to prove themselves worthy. It is in the face of adversity that true character is revealed, and the final curse can be the ultimate test of resilience and determination. Overall, the concept of the final curse, known as the "Ju im," adds a layer of depth and intensity to narratives. It represents the culmination of ongoing conflicts and serves as a pivotal moment in the protagonist's journey. Whether it leads to redemption, tragedy, or a newfound understanding, the Ju im embodies the profound impact of choices and their consequences..
Reviews for "The Final Curse: How it Changes Lives Forever"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Ju im the final curse". The plot was confusing and all over the place, it felt like the filmmakers were trying to throw every horror trope into one movie. The characters were also poorly developed, and I couldn't connect with any of them. Overall, the film lacked the suspense and scares that I expected and left me feeling unsatisfied.
2. John - 1 star - "Ju im the final curse" was one of the worst horror movies I've ever seen. The storyline was predictable and unoriginal, with cliché jump scares and a lack of any real tension. The acting was subpar, and the dialogue was cringe-worthy. I found myself bored and uninterested throughout the entire film. Save your money and skip this one.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Ju im the final curse" after hearing some positive buzz, but it left me disappointed. The pacing was slow, and the scares were few and far between. The film relied heavily on cheap jump scares that were more annoying than terrifying. The ending felt rushed and unsatisfying, leaving many unanswered questions. I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone looking for a truly scary horror experience.
4. Michael - 1 star - "Ju im the final curse" was a complete letdown. The plot was convoluted and lacked any real substance. The characters were forgettable, and I didn't care about their fates. The scares were predictable and lacked originality. Overall, the film felt like a wasted opportunity and failed to deliver on its promises of horror. Save yourself the disappointment and find a better horror movie to watch.