Noroi
10/23/2022:
Full transparency, I watch this in really bad quality thanks to Shudder... The first half was nothing but weird Japanese television, the type of thing you would expect from cable. The point leading up to the climax was just generic B-Roll without anything really of note. The last 35 minutes (Last 6 minutes really) were pretty good. I think I would have enjoyed this more if I watched it in better quality and if there was better footage! 4/10
10/11/2026:
I think Shudder fixed the quality issues I experienced the last time I watched Noroi: The Curse. After watching this with friends, I also had a much better viewing experience. It also helps to see how other people engage with a film.
The best thing about this movie is how sincere everything feels. I don't normally like found footage, but that aspect lends itself well to this film. Everyone feels genuine, and following the mystery feels like a slow unraveling. The soundtrack makes this really unnerving, and the cinematography is quite restrained. I still think most found footage films have an issue with explaining why someone is still holding the camera, and this one is no different.
Spooky vibes, but I wish this were shorter. I'd say maybe shave seven minutes off the first half and three minutes off the second half. Overall, though, I enjoyed this a lot more on a second watch. I probably won't check it out again for another four years or so. Give me a bit, and I'll write up the second film of tonight's double feature!
Full transparency, I watch this in really bad quality thanks to Shudder... The first half was nothing but weird Japanese television, the type of thing you would expect from cable. The point leading up to the climax was just generic B-Roll without anything really of note. The last 35 minutes (Last 6 minutes really) were pretty good. I think I would have enjoyed this more if I watched it in better quality and if there was better footage! 4/10
10/11/2026:
I think Shudder fixed the quality issues I experienced the last time I watched Noroi: The Curse. After watching this with friends, I also had a much better viewing experience. It also helps to see how other people engage with a film.
The best thing about this movie is how sincere everything feels. I don't normally like found footage, but that aspect lends itself well to this film. Everyone feels genuine, and following the mystery feels like a slow unraveling. The soundtrack makes this really unnerving, and the cinematography is quite restrained. I still think most found footage films have an issue with explaining why someone is still holding the camera, and this one is no different.
Spooky vibes, but I wish this were shorter. I'd say maybe shave seven minutes off the first half and three minutes off the second half. Overall, though, I enjoyed this a lot more on a second watch. I probably won't check it out again for another four years or so. Give me a bit, and I'll write up the second film of tonight's double feature!
Mini Review: Shudder fixed the quality issues from my last Noroi: The Curse watch! Seeing it with friends made for a better experience, especially seeing others engage with it. Its sincerity is its strength. I usually dislike found footage, but it works here: everyone feels genuine, and the mystery slowly unravels. The soundtrack is unnerving, and the restrained cinematography works well. Still, the camera excuse remains a problem. Spooky vibes, but I'd trim ten minutes. I sure enjoyed this more on rewatch!
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