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Pulse(回路)

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Japan · 2001
Rated R · 1h 59m
Director Kiyoshi Kurosawa
Starring Haruhiko Katō, Kumiko Aso, Koyuki, Kurume Arisaka
Genre Horror, Thriller

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 friend in the shadows on the wall, while another’s computer keeps showing horrifying, ghostly images. Is their friend trying to contact them from beyond the grave, or is there something much more sinister going on?

Stream Pulse

What are people saying?

Conner Dejecacion Profile picture for Conner Dejecacion

Pulse is one of the few films I'd say is better watched on a laptop or phone than the big screen. In Pulse, sound plays a critical role in portraying the ubiquitous nature of digital technology in a sinister light, especially the sounds of the technology itself. For example, a majority of the indoor scenes of the film are overlaid with a constant “buzz” that seemingly emanates from the many computers and other devices characters interact with. This maddening sound highlights the film's exploration of technological anxiety in a particularly effective way. The screen is a black mirror indeed.

What are critics saying?

90

The New York Times by Anita Gates

The most horrifying thing in Kiyoshi Kurosawa's fiercely original, thrillingly creepy Pulse (released as "Kairo," or "Circuit," in Japan) is the way the ghosts move.

70

Variety by Derek Elley

Result is always watchable, occasionally creepy and teasingly pitched halfway between a genre riff and a genuine scarefest.

60

Village Voice by J. Hoberman

With very few strong characters and a great many middle shots, Pulse sometimes plods--it's the price of Kurosawa's restraint and his indifference to structure.

100

TV Guide Magazine by Ken Fox

If one masterpiece were to emerge from the recent glut of generally good quality Japanese horror movie, this chilling apocalyptic ghost story from Kyroshi Kurosawa is it.

80

The A.V. Club by Scott Tobias

Storytelling clarity has never been a Kurosawa strong suit, yet Pulse baffles even under those standards, so it's best to just get on his abstract wavelength and ride the thing out.

60

Film Threat by Stina Chyn

A horror film that scares you to insomnia is good in the sense that it succeeds in what it sets out to do.

75

New York Post by V.A. Musetto

Pleasantly free of blood and guts, with Kurosawa using instead the mighty power of suggestion to give Pulse an invigorating aura of menace.

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