The absence of a real narrative and legit characters actually allowed Shimizu to focus on his one and only primary goal: inducing and cultivating fear in the viewer.

| Aug 16, 2024

The film toggles between characters in the past and present which prevents the viewer from becoming wholly engaged in the film and its stakes, but the frequent and effective scares make this a worthwhile watch.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 14, 2023

One of those movies that seemed destined to be iconic as soon as it was released. From its unique storytelling method to the utter creepiness of Toshio, it's unforgettable.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jan 4, 2021

...a watchable yet erratic Hollywood remake.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Aug 2, 2020

By populating the film with Americans-as-foreigners, there's a subtle underlying critique of Americans who don't fully understand the culture in which they're living.

| Feb 22, 2020

The film is little more than a few disjointed scares wrapped up in a concept. In the end, it just doesn't add up.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Jun 5, 2019

If the cast looks ordinary, you should see the plot.

| Jan 30, 2018

Completely misses the point of the original.

| Apr 13, 2014

Grisly ghost story lacks plot; not for tweens.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Dec 28, 2010

[Blu Ray] Only the hi-def obsessed should double-dip for this one, DVD owners can still sit pretty.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jun 25, 2009

| Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 20, 2008

| Original Score: 2/5 | Aug 7, 2008

...just cannibalizes itself, exploiting Japanese spirituality for a few Saturday-night shocks...

| Original Score: D | Feb 14, 2008

full review in Greek

| Original Score: 2/5 | Oct 3, 2006

As a pure, light, PG-13 thrill machine, The Grudge is fairly successful. But it is not especially memorable.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Sep 25, 2006

| Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 1, 2006

| Original Score: 2.5/5 | Dec 6, 2005

The largest issue, though, in any American remake of a foreign film is this: How badly did they louse it up? The answer is, surprisingly, not very much.

| Sep 16, 2005

Eschewing plot and a linear timeline for a stylish exercise in mood, Shimizu sets the scenes with long silences and chilling images.

| Original Score: B | Apr 14, 2005

Creepy movie about ghosts with an unfair advantage.

| Original Score: B | Apr 9, 2005