Circuit (or "Pulse")

[DTH]

Greetinx

I saw the Japanese film "Koila" (or Circuit) which a Japanese horror movie that was recently remade in the west (known as Pulse over there).

Following in the footsteps of "Dark Water", "The Grudge" and "The Ring", let's just say that "Circuit" is a rather confusing and eccentric piece, but its all the better for it.

I haven't seen the U.S. version but I just know in my heart of hearts that the producers/writers/directors will have missed the point of the original and turned it in to "generic slasher flick no.2000002".

I will watch the U.S. version and see which I prefer.

I have a theory about remakes: when you have two films which are filmed so similarly, I believe the one you prefer will be the one you see first.

The Ring/Ringu being a perfect example.

Koira/Koila whatever its called will be my next experiment.

[RobOfTheDead]

I really liked the Japanese Pulse. I haven't seen the remake. I love the social commentary about how growing technology actually keeps us isolated as opposed to bringing us together.

[mrshady]

I think you're definately right with the "first version you see is the version you prefer" hypothesis. First impressions are very important and create a lasting impression on the viewer. The problem with most remakes nowadays is that they don't bring enough new material to the table and so when compared to the original just seem like a pale or empty copy. Of course the fact that they insist on making remakes to perfectly good movies doesn't help. Anyone who's seen the original texas chainsaw massacre, the wickerman or the previously mentioned Ringu would tell you that the originals were fine on their own but try telling that to hollywood...

Anyway Ringu and Juon: the grudge were in my opinion much better than their respective remakes. As for "Pulse" I haven't seen the remake but I have seen the original (Kairo is the actual name I think - unless there's multiple movies named pulse) and wasn't particularly impressed with it. Not a bad movie per say but didn't really get it's message through to me very well. May just be me though.