Monday, July 6, 2020

Ju-On Origins : Netflix Series

Six episodes in to the first season, the series somewhat abruptly ends with far more questions then there are answers. If this is really the entirety of the first season, then I feel less than satisfied with the conclusion. But I was pleasantly freaked out throughout most of the runtime- the series begins by stating it is "based on the events that inspired" the original film series. That, on the surface, feels like a load of trash unless you are actually paying attention to the background.

The series begins in 1988 and the most alarming story on the news is that of the discovery of a body found sealed in an oil drum. This is regarding the well publicized Junko Furuta story. We fast forward about one third through the series and find ourselves in 1992 when the news is dominated by the Sarin Gas attack from the Aum Shinrikyo cult. We end the series in 1997 and the news is once again covering the Kobe Child murders that took place at that time. These horrifying moments were the inspiration for the horrifying ghost tale that reflects the rage of on the Ju-on series.
 Image result for ju-on origins
What unfolds is the usual terrifying story of terrifying and angry ghosts who have died so horribly that they are trapped in their rage, grief, and horror. We follow the story of a paranormal researcher, a working class actress, and a teen girl as they encounter the famous house in a period of time that supposedly takes place before the deaths of Kayako, Toshio, and Takeo Saeki. The house is a location for other deaths, grief, pain, and suffering stretching back through several decades and several characters.

This is a slow burn horror and each episode leads up to various horrific moments. It also addresses issues of rape, addiction, and trauma in ways that many will find uncomfortable (especially with America's current political climate) so viewer beware. But it's a brutal reimagining of the series and it's origins while taking into account various other moments that have haunted Japan in the past.

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