Chakushin Ari (2003, JAP) C-112m. *** D: Takashi Miike. Starring Kou Shibasaki, Shin'ichi Tsutsumi, Kazue Fukiishi, Anna Nagata, Atsushi Ida, Mariko Tsutsui. Interesting horror chiller from the maker of ODISHON / AUDITION (1999). A clique of teenagers is terrified when members are found dead after receiving messages from themselves at the moment of their future deaths. Often tacky, typically Japanese, and uneven, but when it resorts to the chills, it's scary as hell. Cleverly uses elements from RINGU and JU-ON, even Lars von Trier's RIGET (1994). Recommended to buffs. English titles: ONE MISSED CALL, and YOU'VE GOT A CALL.


© Ron Altman