Jordan Note that this isn't the original RING but the Korean remake...If the Americans can remake Hideo Nakata's masterpiece RINGU, why can't the Koreans? THE RING VIRUS follows the familiar story of a reporter who must unravel the secret behind a mysterious videotape that kills anyone who watches it exactly seven days later - before her own seven days are up. She's helped in her unenviable task by a fellow cursee, a doctor whose fatal misjudgement years earlier has led to him being outcast.THE RING VIRUS isn't exactly a shot-for-shot remake of RINGU but it is much truer to its inspiration than the US version. Most differences are only material, such as the reporter's child being a girl instead of a boy, her helper being a disgraced doctor rather than an ex-husband, and the telekinetic girl having the name Eun-Sul and not Sadako.An attempt is made to shed light on Eun-Sul's life - which I admire - but the underlying sexual tone is somewhat out of place. Eun-Sul's first reported killing, for example, is of a man spying on her taking a shower (well, not just spying...) and her eventual death is linked to an outdoor sex scene. Isn't this too far a stretch? The director has also - whether intentionally or not - devoid this entirely of suspense; resulting in a huge anti-climax whenever Eun-Sul claims another victim.Acting is fine if not outstanding but THE RING VIRUS is ultimately disappointing and fails to live upto its incredibly promising potential. If you're a fan of the RING saga this is probably compulsive viewing anyway but otherwise, this isn't recommended. Go watch RINGU again instead. ** / *****

theeye_10 It seems many of the votes and comments on this page have been confused with Hideo Nakata's Ringu(which is superior in every way).This is a joint Korean and Japanese re-make of that film, and although it follows the book by Koji Suzuki(a great read) much more closely, it still fails to deliver the spine-tingling chills of 'Ringu'. I would go as far as to say that this film can not even be classed as a horror, as there is nothing horrifying about it.I will give this film 6 out of 10, it's worth at least one viewing, just don't expect anything remotely scary.

mob61uk After all the ecstatic reviews for this film, I was rather disappointed by this film. Supernatural horror films are not usually my sort of thing, but I'm always willing to give something a try. The film was, though, certainly better made than many others of this genre that I've seen, but I still didn't find it very frightening, or, in the end, very convincing.Perhaps I'm missing something.

glen the lad I watched the movie and enjoyed it's not in your face hollywood style but it didnt creep me out much until a couple of days later when I was on edge for days (and nights!) then it hit me what a good job they did. I guess it is like blair witch project with it's unstated horror but that didnt get to me the same way ring did. Check out your video store under the foreign section and watch it .......