6.5/10
15,626
159 user 162 critic

Kairo (2001)

Two groups of people discover evidence that suggests spirits may be trying to invade the human world through the Internet.

Director:

Kiyoshi Kurosawa
2 wins & 3 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Haruhiko Katô Haruhiko Katô ... Ryosuke Kawashima
Kumiko Asô ... Michi Kudo
Koyuki ... Harue Karasawa
Kurume Arisaka Kurume Arisaka ... Junko Sasano
Masatoshi Matsuo Masatoshi Matsuo ... Toshio Yabe
Shinji Takeda Shinji Takeda ... Yoshizaki
Jun Fubuki Jun Fubuki ... Michi's mother
Shun Sugata ... Boss
Shô Aikawa ... Employee
Kôji Yakusho ... Ship Captain
Kenji Mizuhashi Kenji Mizuhashi ... Taguchi
Takumi Tanji Takumi Tanji ... Man with Bag
Hassei Takano Hassei Takano ... Student A
Atsushi Yuki Atsushi Yuki ... Student B
Go Takashima Go Takashima ... Student C
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Storyline

After one of their friends commits suicide, strange things begin happening to a group of young Tokyo residents. One of them sees visions of his dead friend in the shadows on the wall, while another's computer keeps showing strange, ghostly images. Is their friend trying to contact them from beyond the grave, or is there something much more sinister going on? Written by Jean-Marc Rocher <rocher@fiberbit.net>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

Yûrei ni aitai desu ka? (Do you want to meet a ghost?)


Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some violent images | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

As Kawashima starts going over footage of people in the computer screen, he comes a cross a bearded man who looks up and stares directly at him. That man is Kurosawa Kiyoshi, and writer and director of the movie. See more »

Quotes

Ghost: Death was... eternal loneliness.
See more »

Connections

Edited into Pulse - A Última Dimensão (2006) See more »

Soundtracks

Hane Lay Down My Arms
Performed by Cocco
See more »

User Reviews

 
Don't watch before bed
4 January 2013 | by SeeMeBeCBSee all my reviews

I am writing this review because I'm too scared to walk to my room and get in bed.

This movie is terrifying. It's slow, but keeps you completely engaged the entire time. The plot is confusing, but adds to its appeal. It's open to interpretation, which I like in a movie. I don't want everything laid out. Where's the mystery in that? You don't realize what's happening until it creeps up on you very, very gradually. You think you have the movie pinned, then you start questioning what's going on. Everything feels wrong, out of place, and extremely dreadful throughout. You won't like how you feel, but you'll want to see it through anyway.

If you like plot-driven movies where there's a place for everything and everything in its place, so to speak, this one's not for you. This movie's focus is atmosphere and pure psychological terror, not logic.

There's definitely some social commentary in this one. It's a thoughtful film and for being low-budget, the special effects are well-done. You'll be thinking about what this movie means to you.

I really want to warn everyone who is considering watching this- it will haunt you. The ghost images are NOT your everyday American shock-fest. They will burrow into your psyche and live there, probably for a long time. And they are not pleasant.

I honestly almost wish I hadn't seen this movie...


19 of 25 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you? | Report this
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Details

Country:

Japan

Language:

Japanese

Release Date:

3 February 2001 (Japan) See more »

Also Known As:

Pulse See more »

Filming Locations:

Tokyo, Japan

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Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$7,250, 13 November 2005

Gross USA:

$51,420

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$318,451
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See full technical specs »

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