Pulse (2001) [Film Review]

Pulse: or, Nowhere to Run

     In 10 years, or at least while we're still alive, they'll invent a drug that prevents death. Then, we could live forever and ever. Of course, you might think I'm crazy to say that, but... I'd rather bet on that. 

Having been inspired by the J-Horror discussion club last Spring, I grabbed Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s Pulse movie from 2001. Although not as famous as Cure (1997), the movie is an interesting take on the apocalypse scenario triggered by internet connection.

Release Info

Directed by: Kiyoshi Kurosawa Starring: Kimiko Aso, Haruhiko Kato, Koyuki

Language: Japanese Original Title: 回路 Runtime: 118 min

Synopsis

Kudo Michi (Kumiko Aso) works at a plant shop in Tokyo. One day, her co-worker, who was working on a computer disc, went missing. Michi goes to his apartment and the man in question hangs himself in her presence. Fellow friends inspect the contents of the disc and discover that it contains an image of Taguchi staring at his own computer monitor. In the meantime, Ryousuke (Haruhiko Kato), an economics student, tries to set up an internet connection in his apartment. Nevertheless, his computer accesses a website on its own, showing him disturbing images of people alone in dark rooms, exhibiting strange behavior. Ryosuke consults Harue (Koyuki), a computer expert at his university about the problem. They discover that ghosts are slipping into our reality...

Portal to Another World 

Evidently, Pulse came out at the heyday of J-Horror when the market was flooded with numerous titles after the successful release of Ring in 1998. Kurosawa’s movie has a very gripping storyline, and thankfully does not rely on jumpscares. Come to think of it, the movie does not even contain explicit graphic content. As a result, I would classify it more as a mystery thriller rather than a proper horror.

The depressing mood of the picture is evidently its greatest advantage. Why are the main characters so afraid of loneliness? Why are they visited by ghosts? The viewers eventually get all the answers in this slow-burn story, and the overall explanation is really a downer. Pulse is yet another Japanese film which ponders upon an existentialist worldview. In a society where one individual can easily suffer from isolation, is there any hope for happiness at all?

In terms of disadvantages, it has to be pointed out that Pulse actually has a few CGI sequences, but these did not age well. However, considering the fact that it was the year 2001 and Japanese Cinema was at the beginning of utilising digital effects, this aspect is forgivable. However, completely unforgivable is a cheap screenwriting trick in the course of which a completely random guy provides clueless Ryousuke with a much-needed exposition halfway through the film. 

Still, I greatly enjoyed the production design. The empty streets of Tokyo looked amazing and close encounters in “forbidden rooms” are classic. The sound editing also has to be praised, especially in the scenes involving ghosts “communicating” with our heroes. 

With regard to performances, I think that Kumiko Aso, Haruhiko Kato, and Koyuki did a great job. They were not that recognisable back in 2001 as they are today, but their performances are indeed memorable. Interestingly, Koji Yakusho has a small appearance as well.

Recommendations

If you look for an old J-Horror that strives to depress you rather than scare you, then Pulse is the perfect choice. It is a unique endeavour from director Kiyoshi Kurosawa which definitely has creepy moments and an uncanny atmosphere. I guess the best way to avoid the plight of the characters is to refrain from using Internet Explorer as the main browser. By the way, I would like to use this opportunity to give a shout out to Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan and her awesome analysis of Pulse. Go check it out if you can.

Overall score: 8/10

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