The Grudge

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“An American nurse living and working in Tokyo is exposed to a mysterious supernatural curse, one that locks a person in a powerful rage before claiming their life and spreading to another victim.”

Let’s dive into another American adaptation of Japanese horror. This time, we take Buffy the Vampire Slayer and stick her into a mysterious cursed hour. The other major twist here is that the director of both the Japanese and the American versions are the same! And this little tidbit is what helps to keep the authenticity afloat.

When I had first seen this movie in 2004 (yes, I’m old,) I wasn’t as familiar with Japanese horror as I am now. So, the American version had a big influence on my in a way, making me want to delve into this world.

The main premise is that when a trauma is so severe, the spiritual imprint may linger like a virus, infecting all those who come into contact with it. As someone with PTSD, I completely understand this premise. Abuse, obsession and witnessing violent acts tend to bleed into the little things in life that you wouldn’t think they do.

So how do we stop such traumatic things from impacting ourselves or the world?

This movie also gives a little glimpse into how the Japanese see tech as a way for spirits to get into this world. There is a scene where the spirit can be seen in the security camera itself. (There are a few other movies that speak to this)

MILD SPOILERS FROM THIS POINT

Even with the best of intentions, things can never be the same. Karen tries to burn down the house to end the curse but the house, like trauma, won’t go away. It needs to be acknowledged and giving its time.