Cast
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Miki Nakatani
as Mai Takano
Hitomi Sato
as Masami Kurahashi
Kyoko Fukada
as Kanae Sawaguchi
Fumiyo Kohinata
as Dr. Kawajiri
Kenjirou Ishimaru
as Detective Omuta
Yûrei Yanagi
as Okazaki
Rikiya Ôtaka
as Yôichi Asakawa
Yōichi Numata
as Takashi Yamamura
Masako
as Shizuko Yamamura
Miwako Kaji
as Kazue Yamamura
Katsumi Muramatsu
as Kôichi Asakawa
Daisuke Ban
as Heihachirô Ikuma
Rie Ino'o
as Sadako Yamamura
Masakazu Serizawa
as Okazaki no Dôryô - Sakuma
Shinmei Tsuji
as Manshon Kanrinin
Crew
Director
- Hideo Nakata
Producer
- Masato Harada
- Makoto Ishihara
- Takashige Ichise
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Mystery/Science Fiction film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Ring 2 presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Hideo Nakata brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1999, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Ring 2 took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $6.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 116 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 38 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1999, when this film was released:
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Ring 2 shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Rage: Carrie 2, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Ring 2 subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Wolfman and Gremlin explore similar territory, Ring 2 stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 23, 1999
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Budget: $6,000,000
- Revenue: $31,365,000
Where to Watch
