Pulse

Creeping Terror

Main Cast: Kumiko Aso, Haruhiku Kato, Koyuki, Shinji Takeda

Director: Kiyoshi Kurosawa

Modern American horror movies can be placed into two camps. One is the “slasher/blood” type which is pretty much self-explanatory. Some type of mad being runs amok and goes about killing (usually) young men and women in creative and very bloody ways. The second category are the “suspense mysteries”, many of times focused on something supernatural. Our protagonist, who starts off not believing in such stuff, slowly comes around to the idea that something mystical/magical is happening, usually for the detriment of all around them. They then must find a way to stop this.

Pulse, a Japanese film, fits into neither category. While it skirts the second, it isn’t so much a mystery as daily life focused by death. The plot? Well, ghosts seem to be slowly manifesting themselves in Tokyo. The story begins with a flower shop and Michi (Aso), who goes over to her friend’s house to pick up a computer disk they need. Her friend seems to be fine, and steps out of the room for a few minutes. He then proceeds to hang himself. Shaken, Michi returns to the shop, but strange events follow her there and never let go. The same happens to Kawashima (Kato), a young student who connects up to the internet despite his hatred of computers. His computer begins to work itself and shows him strange images of people. Are they alive or dead? And does it matter?

That’s the question that lingers in every frame. Also a sadness, a loneliness that connects all involved, both living and dead. Wisps of dread and suspense kept my attention, because you really didn’t know what to expect next. I enjoyed this film, and it may linger in your mind for a while after watching it. It has for me. And that is the mark of a good film in my book.