Hideo Nakata is known for bringing the Ringu saga to life and it seems that after so many years, his subsequent films have not managed to captivate as much as the unforgettable Sadako. In fact, it seems that Japanese horror cinema has stopped generating the same impact that it had previously generated with Ringu and Ju-On. That does not mean that Japanese horror cinema has not stopped providing some interesting films, especially in an era where live-action adaptations of manga and anime began to become fashionable.
Kinjirareta Asobi is an adaptation of a novel that only became known in its country of origin and was even adapted into a manga that is completely unknown to the West. It is quite noticeable that the film has a manga and anime feel that makes it very much in line with Japanese popular culture. Anyone who is familiar with the world of manga and anime can notice that this is a film that goes more in that direction. The negative reviews are clearly from people who don't know much about manga and anime or who were expecting to see something similar to Ringu or some other typical horror movie like The Conjuring. What Hideo Nakata has made is a movie that meets the standards of horror in the world of manga and anime. It is a story of revenge beyond death with a good development and a coherent pace. The curse that disturbs Hiroko is not different from what has been seen in other movies and is in accordance with the beliefs that the inhabitants of Japan have. The monk Kenshin mentions the feelings of humans as the origin of supernatural forces, referring to karma and emotional energy. That is something that has also been seen in Ju-On where negative feelings become accumulated negative energy giving rise to a curse. The movie poses the same concept, but using Miyuki's powers as a vehicle. It is a movie that makes a lot of sense and is really good.
It is certainly not like the Sadako saga, but that is because it is not like what is already known in horror movies. Japanese animated films have always been known for using suspense and psychological horror to build tension. Kinjirareta Asobi has those same elements, but balances them with an anime-based horror. That makes the film quite dynamic and there is depth in the development of Hiroko and Naoto. Japanese animated productions that are horror-oriented have quite a bit of dynamics and deep character development that are well-balanced with the usual psychological horror of Japan. That makes these productions amazing without leaving aside their artistic quality and Kinjirareta Asobi uses the same formula. Of course, not much is known about Hiroko and Naoto, but Miyuki's curse makes them end up becoming closer and declaring what they feel towards each other. What may be out of place are the digital effects used in Miyuki's spectral design and in the ending. It may have to do with the fact that this film was not produced by Toho, but by Toei. This studio was also involved in the live action Saint Seiya movie and the Power Rangers franchise, so there is some similarity in the digital effects. This studio has made movies outside of the animation world, but as this is a studio that has more experience in animation and even tokusato, it is not surprising that their movies are closer to anime than to a regular movie.
So Kinjirareta Asobi is a movie that has been misjudged and is more aimed at manga and anime lovers than horror movie lovers. It is likely not going to satisfy those who are already familiar with Japanese horror cinema and its style. It is a movie that works outside the norm and works more like a manga adaptation. At this point it is difficult for Hideo Nakata to repeat the phenomenon that was Ringu, so it is best to watch Kinjirareta Asobi without expecting to see something similar to the big hit that revolutionized Asian horror cinema. My final rating for this movie is 9/10.
