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The Grudge

PG-13 Released Oct 22, 2004 1h 30m Horror Mystery & Thriller List
41% Tomatometer 165 Reviews 46% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
Matthew Williams (William Mapother), his wife, Jennifer (Clea DuVall), and mother, Emma (Grace Zabriskie), are Americans making a new life in Tokyo. Together they move into a house that has been the site of supernatural occurrences in the past, and it isn't long before their new home begins terrorizing the Williams family as well. The house, as it turns out, is the site of a curse that lingers in a specific place and claims the lives of anyone that comes near.
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The Grudge

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Critics Consensus

There's some creepy imagery to be found, but not much in the way of logic or truly jarring scares.

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Critics Reviews

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Nell Minow Common Sense Media Grisly ghost story lacks plot; not for tweens. Rated: 2/5 Dec 28, 2010 Full Review Empire Magazine Rated: 3/5 Apr 1, 2006 Full Review Jamie Russell BBC.com It's mechanical moviemaking, but when it works you're likely to quiver, cower and leap with fright. Rated: 3/5 Jan 26, 2005 Full Review Akos Peterbencze The Screen The absence of a real narrative and legit characters actually allowed Shimizu to focus on his one and only primary goal: inducing and cultivating fear in the viewer. Aug 16, 2024 Full Review Brian Bisesi Horror Movie Club Podcast The film toggles between characters in the past and present which prevents the viewer from becoming wholly engaged in the film and its stakes, but the frequent and effective scares make this a worthwhile watch. Rated: 3/5 Dec 14, 2023 Full Review Matthew Rozsa matthewrozsa.com One of those movies that seemed destined to be iconic as soon as it was released. From its unique storytelling method to the utter creepiness of Toshio, it's unforgettable. Rated: 3/4 Jan 4, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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e6e 6 This film is dreadful. The only thing its known for are it's lazy jumpscares, also the plot doesn't make sense at all. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 10/05/24 Full Review Luke M The Grudge captures everything it's set out to do, keeping you at the edge of your seat for the most of the run time and keeping you waiting for what's next for the rest. If you are looking for a fun, one and done horror flick. This is quite the recommendation. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 09/04/24 Full Review Gnr E This is just pure horror. It makes me pee in pants almost. Thats why i liked it so much Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/18/24 Full Review K K Look, I am biased here due to the fact that SMG (Sarah Michelle Gellar) created one of the greatest TV roles in history: a hero but not perfect in BVS( Buffy the Vampire Slayer). So pretty much all the movies SMG has been in, I have enjoyed. With that bias noted, The Grudge was scary, creepy, gross, good acting, script interesting, and special effects solid. Some action, drama, and scares.  Actually, the whole cast overall was excellent! One of the stronger contingent actors in a scary commercial sort of movie that I have watched. FYI in 2005 while a fan of BVS, I did something unusual sent a letter to SMG public contact info. I cannot recall all times at pro tennis tournaments wanting an autograph. Within weeks SMG/team sent me in mail, still snail mail a photograph of SMG signed. That is a pro behaviors. At height of a tv show fame and in hit big screen movie the actor/star still takes time to appreciate a fan(s), a pro! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/08/24 Full Review Emilliano Jr S Its better to watch the Japanese original than this mediocre adaptation. Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 04/28/24 Full Review Larry L Once again one of my favorite ghosts films. Once again I have to ask the question do you actually watch these movies. We must have some really blood and guts critics because if the movie doesn't have blood and guts in it they don't like it. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/16/24 Full Review Read all reviews
The Grudge

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis Matthew Williams (William Mapother), his wife, Jennifer (Clea DuVall), and mother, Emma (Grace Zabriskie), are Americans making a new life in Tokyo. Together they move into a house that has been the site of supernatural occurrences in the past, and it isn't long before their new home begins terrorizing the Williams family as well. The house, as it turns out, is the site of a curse that lingers in a specific place and claims the lives of anyone that comes near.
Director
Takashi Shimizu
Producer
Doug Davison, Rob Tapert, Takashige Ichise
Screenwriter
Takashi Shimizu, Stephen Susco
Distributor
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Production Co
Senator International, Ghost House Pictures
Rating
PG-13 (Mature Thematic Material|Disturbing Images|Some Sensuality|Terror|Violence)
Genre
Horror, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 22, 2004, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Jun 18, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA)
$110.2M
Runtime
1h 30m
Sound Mix
Surround, DTS, Dolby SRD, SDDS
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.37:1)
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