Click HERE to see this thread with all of the graphics, features, and links.

Was wandering through Best Buy today and stumbled across this Japanese title on the shelf, along with its four sequels. I had never heard of any of them, but obviously must have some following in order to generate so many different titles. While the sequels looked a little weak, the first one looked like it could have some promise.

Any of the seasoned veterans here have enough exposure to them to give a decent review? None of the local rental stores have them (made a few calls), so my alternative would be to flat out buy them blindly. I'm normally not an impulse buyer, so your opinions and thoughts actually do matter this time.

The first one is weak, pass on them all. The 4th is from the director of "The Grudge", but don't let it fool you.

cinemaddiction r u on this thred

Good to know. I guess after watching the Ring again, and then catching Throne of Blood (I have to pick this one up to add on to the Criterion collection) on IFC this weekend, the Japanese film culture has jaded my better judgment...

I'm in the minority here but I think it's work sitting through (the rather boring) Tomie just so you can watch the sequel Tomie:Replay which I found to be quite disturbing.

Apparently I am.

I know what you mean, Prim. I had my little Asian shock cinema kick a few months ago. I think the best thing to come out of it was finally seeing "Battle Royale" and "Versus". Whenever I join up w/ Netflix, I'll knock out stuff like Ichi, Audition, Evil Dead Trap, etc.

I didn't like "The Eye", as it was an Asian "The Sixth Sense", IMO or "St. John's Wort".

Audition is ... very very ****ed up. Great film.

I get the feeling Mr Addiction will enjoy the films of Miike - do try to get the uncut version of Ichi, the Killer if you can...

Audition. Jeeze.. ugh, I feel queasy just thinking about it.