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Kairo (2001)

R  |   |  Horror, Mystery, Thriller  |  9 November 2005 (USA)
6.6
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Ratings: 6.6/10 from 10,854 users   Metascore: 70/100
Reviews: 139 user | 120 critic | 21 from Metacritic.com

Japanese university students investigate a series of suicides linked to an Internet Web cam that promises visitors the chance to interact with the dead.

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Haruhiko Katô ...
...
...
Harue Karasawa
Kurume Arisaka ...
Masatoshi Matsuo ...
Shinji Takeda ...
Yoshizaki
Jun Fubuki ...
Michi's mother
Shun Sugata ...
Boss
Shô Aikawa ...
Employee
...
Ship Captain
Kenji Mizuhashi ...
Takumi Tanji ...
Man with Bag
Hassei Takano ...
Student A
Atsushi Yuki ...
Student B
Go Takashima ...
Student C
Edit

Storyline

After one of their friends commits suicide, strange things begin happening to a group of young Tokyo residents. One of them sees visions of his dead friend in the shadows on the wall, while another's computer keeps showing strange, ghostly images. Is their friend trying to contact them from beyond the grave, or is there something much more sinister going on? Written by Jean-Marc Rocher <rocher@fiberbit.net>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

Yûrei ni aitai desu ka? (Do you want to meet a ghost?)


Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some violent images | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Official Sites:

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

9 November 2005 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

The Circuit  »

Filming Locations:


Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$7,250 (USA) (11 November 2005)

Gross:

$49,046 (USA) (16 December 2005)
 »

Company Credits

Production Co:

, ,  »
Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The Japanese title written in Kanji means "the road back". See more »

Quotes

Ghost: Death was... eternal loneliness.
See more »

Connections

Spoofed in Zebraman (2004) See more »

Soundtracks

Hane Lay Down My Arms
Performed by Cocco
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User Reviews

 
truly frightening
13 June 2007 | by (United States) – See all my reviews

a horror film hasn't given me chills in a while. this film made me feel as isolated and terrified as the characters in the movie. I had seen the American re-make before this film, and i'm kind of glad I did, because I got to save the best for last. If you were disappointed by the American Pulse, this predecessor will certainly make up for that sorry excuse for a horror.

I can say without a doubt this is one of my top films to watch alone in a dark room if I wanted to scare the hell out of myself. And that just puts a big grin on my face. Not to mention, the lighting and cinematography in this film is also really well done, and adds a lot to the completely creepy mood throughout. While the story may be hard to follow if you don't know the history behind the film beforehand, it's scary either way. I've watched it twice now, and it's just as good the second time around. Even though this film is considered an older J-horror film, it's still fresh in my book.

I think horror film makers that rely on cheap thrills and gore should take Kairo for a spin, they'd learn a lot from it. Kairo is a truly haunting, scary film that will leave your eyes wide open in terror. 10/10


25 of 36 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

Message Boards

Recent Posts
The story didn't seem to be executed well lufia20
original version vs. US version dunnypop
I'm sorry, but that 'wobbly' ghost was THE scariest thing I've ever seen MiPueblo
confused... angela_hana
i didn't think this movie was scary until... dumpling321
A Warning to those Wanting to Watch VigBit
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