The story begins 250 years ago, when a man, Soetsu visits a samurai, Shinzaemon to ask him to pay back his debt but the samurai refuses and gets angry. Shinzaemon kills Soetsu and dumps his body in a pool where the legend says those who sink into the water will never float again. But before Soetsu dies he places the curse upon Shinzaemon and his family. Soon Shinzaemon gets mysteriously mad and kills his wife then kills himself. Shinzaemon’s son is taken away.

20 years later, the fate intertwines and brings son of Shinzaemon, Shinkichi to Toyoshiga, daughter of Soetu. They fall in love right away, and the horror creeps in.

I do love cinematography of the story telling at the beginning, Although I can’t see how it is related to the story 20 years later. Is the disease a part of the curse? If it is, why wait 20 years? Nakata Hideo, the director of the famous japanese horror film, リング (Ringu / The Ring) did a great job once again. He managed to use just simple moments to imprint long lasting effects on audience’s mind. Visual effect does not look great, I could only wish that he did not use it. 怪談 (Kaidan / Ghost Story) is now showing at House RCA.