Atmosphere that carried a vague plot.
Something we often get from Japanese horror - vague plot with good atmosphere, great music and sound effects and still images inducing panic response. That’s also what we’ve got from Pulse.By the end of the movie we are offered little to no real explanations, and most are left to the viewers interpretation. Is this a commentary about the dangers of the internet? Is this a commentary about the human need for interactions and the terrifying portrayal of loneliness? It’s up to the viewer to decide.
The characters were rather bland. I kind of stopped paying attention to who is who at some point, and it did not really take away from the watching experience. I honestly believe them as individuals was not that important plot wise.
The thing I loved about Pulse was the atmosphere and built up tension. There are no cheap jump scares and all the horror is based on the fear of the unknown, perfect choice of music and the prolonged shots of uncanny images.
Overall, I would recommend it if you are in for a rather calm, but tense horror.
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The story/plot was decent. I didn't like the characters very much...but that may be because some of them had...strange acting.
Although, I did have one favourite character. He was really cool. I even liked one of the girls a lot. (Not at first, though.)
Even though "Pulse" had some scary scenes, I still think they could have made it more interesting and less slow-paced.
The best part about this movie (for me) was the ending. The movie was boring near the beginning, but it got really interesting near the end.
Anyway, I recommend this to people who are looking for something to take away their boredom or give them a little scare.
It might give you nightmares...
I hope my review was helpful :D
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Kairo, a Misunderstood Masterpiece
I love this movie so much, and I hate how shit on it is for the weak and vague story. I think what makes it scariest is the fact we have an idea of what's going on and yet not the full story, so we just have to watch as the loneliness destroys the characters.This kind of horror is my favourite, no jumpscares, but gives me nightmares from how eerie it all is. After a while, I figured out that I'd never get a jumpscare but the music and sound design frightened me more than the ghosts did at times. The random silences followed by loud music and choir singing made me jump ngl.
The visuals of the early 2000s was just perfect for horror movies. It's got that slight grain that makes it feel dated but also very recent and that vintage horror aspect is just perfect.
I do have to criticise the acting, though not amazing or polytonous, it was okay. I feel there were points the characters could have had more emotion, like when Michi walked into Taguchi's house and saw his body, cus it kinda felt like they'd had to retake that one shot so many times the actress got tired.
BUT all that being said, this movie is great. People saying the American "remake" was better but I know y'all are lying, there's a reason why they remade it, because Americans can't appreciate good cinema. xx
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This review may contain spoilers
A Haunting Exploration of Modern Isolation
Pulse (2001) is a masterful film that delves deep into the existential fears of the digital age. Often misinterpreted as a simple ghost story, this film is, in fact, a profound commentary on the isolating effects of modern technology.Set in an era when the internet was just beginning to weave its web around our lives, Pulse portrays a chilling reality where technology, intended to connect us, instead amplifies our deepest loneliness. The "ghosts" that haunt the characters are not traditional supernatural beings but metaphors for the overwhelming isolation brought about by the digital world.
The film follows two interwoven storylines: Michi, a young woman dealing with the mysterious suicide of her friend, and Kawashima, a university student who becomes obsessed with a disturbing website. As their lives intersect, they uncover the haunting truth: the internet is not just a tool but a trap, drawing people into an abyss of despair.
The use of red tape to seal off certain rooms is a powerful symbol in the film. It represents the characters' desperate attempts to contain the emotional and psychological harm caused by their digital interactions. These taped doors are warnings, marking spaces where the boundary between the living and the dead—or, more accurately, between connected and isolated—has been irreversibly breached.
One of the most poignant elements of Pulse is the haunting shadows left behind by those who vanish. These shadows symbolize the lingering despair and the unfulfilled cries for help from those who succumb to the isolation. They are not just remnants of the departed but stark reminders of the emotional void that technology can create.
The message is clear: the internet, while promising connection, often leaves us feeling more alone than ever. The film's characters, overwhelmed by loneliness, are driven to desperate acts, highlighting the devastating impact of a world where true human interaction is increasingly scarce.
Pulse is a hauntingly beautiful film that resonates deeply with the challenges of our time. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of genuine human connections and the emotional dangers lurking within our digital dependencies. For anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the psychological impacts of technology, Pulse is a must-watch.
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Stains and computers
The film is a visual feast, with a thick and oppressive atmosphere.Some scenes are directed in a way that sticks in my mind, the ghostly apparitions first, but perhaps even more so the wandering around the desolate city.
Yet the film's two hours drag on; the gimmick is a little too silly to justify such length, and after the first round of horror, the film flounders quite a bit.
While the transition to a post-apocalyptic atmosphere isn't totally botched, Pulse suffers throughout from very weak dialogue and rather uninteresting characters, despite their subtle performances.
The two main female roles are magnificent, and it's a great pleasure to witness all the outfits from that era.
I think the film would have benefited greatly from being even more atmospheric and not explaining the themes and mechanics of the story.
The moment when Michi is alone facing the beseeching stain is one of the most beautiful in the film. I would have liked to see more scenes like this rather than the heavy-handed and cryptic conversations that occur regularly. The inhabitants of this world have the unfortunate habit of turning into Dark Souls NPCs at the slightest annoyance.
Surprisingly, the moment that sticks in my mind the most is when the two main characters meet halfway through the film, when Michi's car breaks down. The scene radiates a particularly strong warmth, in contrast to the morbid desolation of the rest of the feature film.
On another note, while many viewers mention the film's pioneering approach to digital themes, I personally find that this ultimately plays a fairly minor role, and that it is more an aesthetic exploitation of what was then a new technology than any kind of commentary on the effects of the internet.
Overall, it is so visually striking despite its flaws that I will gladly watch it again.
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This review may contain spoilers
More Relevant Than You Think...
This is a creepy film. I think the type of horror films a lot of people are used to is fast and cheap scares that would make you uneasy for the moment. In some ways, a lot of horror films feel like roller-coaster rides. Thrilling at the time, but forgettable in the long run. Not this film, the pace is slow, but the scares creep up behind you and just stick with you. There is a strong hint about the dangers of technology, and how it can drain the life out of people. Also, how isolation can be a silent killer to anyone stuck in it. It is another well told apocalypse story that is interesting to watch play out. I do think the acting can be a hit or miss. I personally think it works for the situation the characters were in, but I can see how it can be dry for some people. I'd say check this film out if you enjoy a slow-burn.(I say this as a bit of a loner myself, and also being online a lot. Oh no, I'm next.xD)
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