The film “Curse: The Beginning of the End” (reviews of which are ambiguous) is the seventh in the epic “Curse” and the first in the franchise, in the creation of which its author Takashi Shimitsu does not take part. This episode was directed by Masayuki Otiyai, who co-wrote the script for the film together with Takashige Itisha, known for the film The Call.
A dark horse
Director Masayuki Otiai, having a decent filmography (School: Curse of the Spirit 2014, Restaurant of Horrors 2010, etc.), became known to a wide audience after the publication of the film Phantoms (2008). His track record is composed of paintings and series, little known to European and American viewers, but the new work - the horror film “Curse: The Beginning of the End” - reveals to moviegoers his original talent. It is traditionally believed that the success of a good horror film consists of simple components: intrigue, mysteries, secrets, escalating tension due to visual and especially sound effects, pretty, compelling the main characters and the original denouement. Absolutely every element of the structure of the film plays a role, even if at first glance it seems insignificant and useless. So, “Curse: The Beginning of the End” (reviews of critics - confirmation of this) has nothing superfluous, not a single detail, everything works smoothly, like an adjusted mechanism. The film is already interesting because director Masayuki Otiai played on one extremely important detail when creating his brainchild - the multilayered structure of the narrative.
Plot
For ardent fans of the original version and sentimental viewers, it is difficult to recommend a remake of “Curse: The Beginning of the End” (2014). Reviews viewed are different. Some note the lack of innovative moves or storyline offsets. The spectator is again invited to that ill-fated house in which the terrible curse of those who died in the walls of the home by a painful violent death dwells as the owner. Again show Toshio and the inimitable Kayako. Only the main character is changing, now this is not a social worker. service, and a simple elementary school teacher Yui, from whom the unfortunate Toshio studied before the events demonstrated. Since the student has missed a lot of classes, the teacher goes to his home to find out the reason for the omissions. She has to reveal the secret of a creepy house and then try to save her life.
In addition to this main line, another one is developing in parallel - evil ghosts are terrorizing four high school students. Girls, having gone to the “same house”, see drawings - they depict their sad fate. Naturally, further the same things happen to them that were warningly drawn: someone will suffer from the fire, someone with a jaw will have problems, someone will simply die in bed. However, although the plot narrative has remained classic, its implementation makes you think about the future of the film industry in Japan. The film project “Curse: The Beginning of the End” turned out to be not entirely successful. Reviews about him for the most part come down to this obvious fact.
Actors and characters
Among the acting ensemble, the leading singer - Nozomi Sasaki stands out. Reina Trindl is somewhat puzzled by her game, her on-screen emotions are unnatural and unconvincing. I am glad the selection of actors for the roles of sinister ghosts - Toshio and Kayako, they are very similar to the performers of the first part. The actress, playing the role of Kayako, as conceived by the director, revealed in her image completely closer to the culmination of the picture.
Worthy Remake
In general, the film “Curse: The Beginning of the End”, the reviews of which are diametrically opposed, was recognized by many franchise lovers as a worthy remake, it was just late for a decade. During this period, most of the ideas embodied in the picture managed to fill the audience’s edge. For the fans of the series, the film will seem completely harmless and fearless, although there are enough terrible moments in it. But inexperienced viewers “Curse: The Beginning of the End” (reviews of those who looked - proof) will even like it. It is made provocatively and skillfully, the musical accompaniment escalates the atmosphere, directs, knocks in the hearts of the audience, although it is devoid of Japanese sounding color.
Successor of ideas
Like the horrors, “Curse: The Beginning of the End” is not bad, but it can hardly be called a worthy successor to the ideas of the original picture. While watching every now and then you catch yourself thinking that these moments were in previous episodes. All the basic methods and techniques of directing and staging are stamped and practically do not scare. The viewer who watched all parts of The Curse will almost always know ahead of time what will happen in the future. It is noticeable that the director tried, but could not surprise the sophisticated viewer. Neither gore effects, nor bu-moments, nor “original” finds are impressive. Most likely, the franchise will nevertheless retire, and Japanese filmmakers will come up with something more frightening and sophisticated than long-haired ghosts and cyanotic boys.