For me this still is one of the best horror movies around.

Really very astonishingly good horror. More subtle than the American version. I like both pretty equally.

I’m sure all horror fans have seen the American version; The Ring. However, despite how similar in storyline, they are also quite different. I expected this to be far scarier, but for me it wasn’t. Considering when it was made, it’s a high budget film with a great cast. It’s slower than the American version, which didn’t bother me at all. I enjoyed it, but I can’t really say which version I prefer as they both have their own merits. This version is more authentic I suppose and well told without the use of a lot of background music to build suspense, unnecessary jump scares or special effects. It’s in a way more basic, as in a well told story. I like both versions, I honestly don’t have a preference. Looking forward to watching the others in the series.

It's hard for me to understand why this movie ever became popular, but I say this being over two decades removed from its debut and with the benefit of having seen the vastly superior Verbinski version. The script is a muddy, confusing mess. Anywhere the characters can't be bothered to take initiative, psychic powers are there to propel the plot forward. Sadako herself doesn't have the same effect.

Ringu deserves praise for its original ideas but falls to its American counterpart. It lacks the atmosphere and creepiness the story needs to be effective. The writing also takes the easy path of making difficult and obscure situations easily understood by characters in order to move the story alone.