History Film / TheGrudge

[[AC:Note: This page is for the American franchise only. For the Japanese series of films, see ''{{Juon}}''.]]

''The Grudge'' is an American horror film series consisting of three films, based on the popular ''{{Juon}}'' franchise. Its first installment was the 2004 American remake of the Japanese film ''Film/{{Juon}}: The Grudge'', with added elements from ''Film/{{Juon}}: The Curse'' and ''Ju-on: The Grudge 2''. The film was released in North America on October 22, 2004 by Columbia Pictures, and is directed by Creator/TakashiShimizu (director of the original series) while Creator/SamRaimi produced and Stephen Susco scripted. In the same tradition as the original series, the plot of the film is told through a [[AnachronicOrder non-linear sequence of events]] and includes several intersecting subplots. The film has spawned two sequels: ''The Grudge 2'' (which was released on October 13, 2006) and ''The Grudge 3'' (released direct-to-DVD on May 12, 2009, after having the original release date pushed back), this time directed by Toby Wilkins with Shimizu as executive producer. Also, a [[ContinuityReboot reboot]] is planned (with Sam Raimi producing).

* CompositeCharacter: Detective Nakagawa shares the name and profession of Detective Nakagawa from the original ''{{Juon}}'' film series, but his personality and actions are closer to that of retired detective Toyama, also from ''{{Juon}}''. Like Toyama, he lost his colleagues to the curse, and also tries to burn the house down.
** Yoko seems to be a combination of three ''{{Juon}}'' characters: Yuki and Kanna from ''Ju-on: The Curse'', and Rika from ''Ju-on: The Grudge''. Like Yuki, she is dragged into the house's attic by Kayako; like Kanna, [[spoiler:her jaw is torn off]]; like Rika ([[WhatCouldHaveBeen with whom she was originally going to share a name]]), she is a social worker.

* LogoJoke: At the beginning of ''The Grudge 2'', the ColumbiaPictures logo starts as usual, but the torch flickers, briefly causing the Torch Lady to turn into Kayako and the word "COLUMBIA" to turn into "GRUDGE 2."

* InfantImmortality: Brutally averted with Toshio, and [[spoiler:Jake]]. Partially averted when [[spoiler:Kayako possesses Rose]] at the end of ''The Grudge 3''.

* AbusiveParents: Mrs. Davies is emotionally abusive towards Aubrey, [[ParentalFavoritism clearly favouring Karen over her]]. Also, Kayako's mother [[spoiler:"fed" evil spirits to her daughter when she was a child. The former's death at the latter's hands could be seen as Kayako's revenge for what her mother did to her.]]

* BodyHorror: Similar to the original Japanese movie series, a particular type of BodyHorror is used for the death of [[spoiler:Yoko]] - her jaw gets torn off. A similar example of BodyHorror is seen in the alternate/extended ending to the sequel (in which [[spoiler:Karen and Aubrey's mother]] dies in a very similar way to [[spoiler:Yoko]]).

* ChestBurster: Used in the alternate/extended ending of the second movie. [[spoiler:Kayako ejects herself ''violently'' from Mrs. Davies' mouth.]]

* CruelAndUnusualDeath: The death of [[spoiler:Mrs. Davies]], as seen in a deleted scene from the second film, definitely qualifies - after a [[TearJerker tearjerking scene]] in which she mourns [[spoiler:Karen and Aubrey]], she not-so-coincidentally comes across [[spoiler:Kayako's diary]]...before having a much more severe coughing fit than usual, which results in her [[spoiler:''coughing up Kayako in the form of a giant hairball-come-eyeball, which rips her jaw off''.]] The fact that you can actually see [[spoiler:her face start to ''rip'']] makes it a lot squickier.

* IncurableCoughOfDeath: Mrs. Davies has a very nasty cough and breathing problems, although it is never mentioned what sort of illness she is suffering from. However, she doesn't die in the finished movie. [[WhatCouldHaveBeen A deleted scene does show her death]] ([[spoiler: in which her cough ''does'' actually kill her... well, sort of]]), but it's anyone's guess as to whether this will end up being canonical.

* JawBreaker: [[spoiler:Yoko]] suffers this. In the third movie, [[spoiler:Gretchen]]'s corpse is found ''sans'' lower jaw ([[ThereIsNoKillLikeOverkill and]] {{eye|Scream}}s). The alternate ending to the second movie has [[spoiler:Mrs. Davies]] suffering this, too - [[{{Gorn}} on-screen]].

''The Grudge'' is an American horror film series consisting of three films, based on the popular ''{{Juon}}'' franchise. Its first installment was the 2004 American remake of the Japanese film ''Film/{{Juon}}: The Grudge'', with added elements from ''Film/{{Juon}}: The Curse''. The film was released in North America on October 22, 2004 by Columbia Pictures, and is directed by Creator/TakashiShimizu (director of the original series) while Creator/SamRaimi produced and Stephen Susco scripted. In the same tradition as the original series, the plot of the film is told through a [[AnachronicOrder non-linear sequence of events]] and includes several intersecting subplots. The film has spawned two sequels: ''The Grudge 2'' (which was released on October 13, 2006) and ''The Grudge 3'' (released direct-to-DVD on May 12, 2009, after having the original release date pushed back), this time directed by Toby Wilkins with Shimizu as executive producer. Also, a [[ContinuityReboot reboot]] is planned (with Sam Raimi producing).

* CreepyChild: Toshio is the very definition of this trope. Kayako seen as a child in flashbacks is also somewhat creepy, although seriously adorable at the same time.

* DrivenToSuicide: Peter, after [[spoiler:discovering just what happened in the Saeki house]]. It is later heavily implied that he was under the curse's influence when he killed himself.

* EvilPhone: The sinister phone calls Vanessa receives in ''The Grudge 2''.

* FaceRevealingTurn: [[spoiler:Yoko.]]
* FacialHorror: [[spoiler:Yoko and Gretchen]], anyone?
* FanDisservice / {{Fanservice}}: The shower scenes in the first and second movies and the bath scene in the third movie contain a combination of both tropes. Max's ShirtlessScene in the third movie also counts.

* NightmareFace: [[spoiler:Yoko and Gretchen.]]

* StringyHairedGhostGirl: Kayako. [[spoiler:Aubrey]] ends up as one by the end of the second movie, as well (mimicking the ending of the first Japanese theatrical release, in which [[spoiler:Rika]] suffers the same fate).

* AndIMustScream: The fate of every single person who is taken by the curse.
* AssholeVictim: Played with, in that most of the curse's victims are generally decent, unassuming people who are in the wrong place at the wrong time. However, some victims, such as Takeo (who has the dubious honour of being the curse's very first victim) and Vanessa, qualify for this trope.

* SuddenSequelDeathSyndrome: Karen survives the first movie, but is quickly killed off in the second.

* TimeTravel: To an extent. The nature of the curse can cause the past, present and future to merge temporarily, as shown in ''The Grudge 2''.
* TooDumbToLive: Yes, Aubrey, go into that house even when your sister told you not to.

* BedmateReveal: Played with (well, sort of) in the freakiest way possible.
* BloodFromTheMouth: Kayako after having her neck snapped.
* BloodMagic: Kayako's sister, Naoko, claims the curse can be lifted via an exorcism ritual that ends with a willing witness consuming Kayako's blood. [[spoiler:It doesn't work.]]

* BodyHorror: Similar to the original Japanese movie series, a particular type of BodyHorror is used for the death of [[spoiler:Yoko]]. A similar example of BodyHorror is seen in the alternate/extended ending to the sequel (in which [[spoiler:Karen and Aubrey's mother]] dies in a very similar way to [[spoiler:Yoko]]).
** The death of [[spoiler:Gretchen]] in the third movie.

* FreakOut: Takeo has one after discovering Kayako's huge crush on Peter.

** Toshio witnesses Kayako's murder at the hands of Takeo, shortly before being killed himself.

* PaterFamilicide: Takeo murders his wife, son, and son's cat upon finding out about Kayako's crush on Peter. Kayako, as a ghost, repays this heinous act by [[PrehensileHair strangling him to death with her hair]]. Then, in ''The Grudge 3'' he claims another familial victim as a ghost - [[spoiler:his sister-in-law.]]

* SingleTear: [[spoiler:Aubrey, towards the end of the second film.]]

* SpookyPhotographs: [[spoiler:Eason]] is killed when Kayako emerges from [[spoiler:a photograph he is in the process of developing]]. Later, after Aubrey discovers the corpse of [[spoiler:Eason]] and is subsequently menaced by Kayako, all of the photos in the darkroom change to show Kayako's face staring out of all of them.

** Kayako's death, too. Her own husband snaps her neck and leaves her to die (and it is also a possibility that, like in the original films, he slashed her with a utility knife, given the amount of blood on her when her body is discovered). [[spoiler:By extension, Aubrey's and Naoko's deaths apply, too.]]

* FollowTheLeader: The success of ''Film/TheRing'' was the chief reason it was remade in the States.

** Also, in the third movie, [[spoiler:Gretchen's portrait of Rose is slashed and splattered with red paint, resembling blood, by Kayako]]. This could be foreshadowing [[spoiler:Kayako's eventual possession of Rose]].

* GhostlyGape: Toshio, whose mouth is deeply black within. Kayako also has a tendency to pull this off.

* HeroicSacrifice: [[spoiler:Rose drinking the blood]] during the climax of the third film could be seen as this, although it isn't likely she knew exactly what the consequences would be. [[SenselessSacrifice However it doesn't seem like it helped much in the long run]], and it wasn't in time to [[spoiler:save Naoko (and her death starts a new curse)]] - although it did manage to [[spoiler:save Lisa... at least for the time being. We shall see]].

* MyCarHatesMe: Happens in the third movie.

** ''The Grudge 3'' brings us the sound of [[spoiler:Naoko]]'s horrible, gurgley breathing, post-death.

* HopeSpot: A couple of utterly merciless examples occur in ''The Grudge 3''. First, [[spoiler: it appears that Naoko's ritual (which already has a slim chance of success as it is) may work - until she is killed by Max, which starts a completely ''new'' curse.]] Second, [[spoiler: Rose goes ahead with the ritual, thus saving Lisa from becoming a victim of Kayako's wrath. However, it isn't quite over yet. Yes, the ritual ''did'' manage to seal Kayako's spirit away...the catch is, she was sealed inside Rose's body. Not only that, but it is heavily implied that being sealed away will ''not'' stop her.]]

* InTheHood: Allison after the curse breaks her.

* InfantImmortality: Averted with Toshio, and [[spoiler:Jake.]] Partially averted when [[spoiler:Kayako possesses Rose]] at the end of ''The Grudge 3''.

* {{Manipulative B|astard}}itch: Vanessa.

* NeverendingTerror: This is one of the scariest parts of the eponymous grudge curse. Once the ghost/demon is after you, there is no getting away from it. Also, it will come for you ''anywhere''. It doesn't care how locked up you are or how many other people are nearby.

* UndeadChild: Take a wild guess.

* [[WhamEpisode Wham Moment]]: The ending of the second movie, when Aubrey suddenly realises just what the curse has in store for her...

* [[YouKilledMyFather You Killed My Sister]]: Aubrey is grief-stricken over Karen's death, and she namechecks this trope when she returns to the house [[spoiler:for the final time (while she's still alive, anyway)]].

''The Grudge'' is an American horror film series consisting of 3 films. Its first installment was the 2004 American remake of the Japanese film ''Film/{{Juon}}: The Grudge'', with added elements from ''Film/{{Juon}}: The Curse''. The film was released in North America on October 22, 2004 by Columbia Pictures, and is directed by Creator/TakashiShimizu (director of the original series) while Creator/SamRaimi produced and Stephen Susco scripted. In the same tradition as the original series, the plot of the film is told through a [[AnachronicOrder non-linear sequence of events]] and includes several intersecting subplots. The film has spawned two sequels: ''The Grudge 2'' (which was released on October 13, 2006) and ''The Grudge 3'' (released direct-to-DVD on May 12, 2009, after having the original release date pushed back), this time directed by Toby Wilkins with Shimizu as executive producer. Also, a reboot is planned (with Sam Raimi producing).

* AnyoneCanDie
* AssholeVictim: Played with, in that most of the curse's victims are decent people who are in the wrong place at the wrong time. However, some victims, such as Takeo (who has the dubious honour of being the curse's very first victim) and Vanessa, qualify for this trope.

* BloodSplatteredInnocents: Not only does poor Aubrey actually witness [[spoiler:Karen's death]], but she gets splattered with her blood as well. Ouch.
* BloodierAndGorier: Many of the deaths in ''The Grudge 3'' are bloodier than the deaths in the previous installments (not counting [[spoiler:Yoko]], obviously).

* TheCastShowoff: Takako Fuji really can [[MarionetteMotion move like that]], and has said in an interview that she sometimes likes to pull out her Kayako-moves to freak people out at parties. In addition, any scene with her crawling down the stairs was done without any wirework whatsoever.

* CuriosityKilledTheCast

* DownerEnding: It's impossible to survive the curse; it's only a matter of time before it claims your life.

%%* EvilPhone

* GhostlyGape: The ghost of the little boy, whose mouth is deeply black within.

* GreenEyedMonster: Takeo, whose jealousy over his wife's crush drives him to murder.

* HarmfulToMinors: Happens in all three films.
** Toshio witnesses Kayako's murder, shortly before being killed himself.

* JumpScare

* KillEmAll

* MeaningfulBackgroundEvent: The [[ElevatorSnare elevator scene]].

* NewHouseNewProblems: Woe betide anyone who moves into/enters the cursed house. Later, the curse isn't just limited to the house, spreading to those who have nothing to do with the house whatsoever...

* OffscreenTeleportation
* OhCrap: Aubrey gets a moment like this when [[spoiler:she encounters Takeo]].

* PaterFamilicide

* PrehensileHair: In the director's cut of the first film, Kayako uses her hair to hang Takeo. In the second film, she [[spoiler:[[FetishFuel completely envelopes Vanessa's body with it]]]].

* ShootTheShaggyDog

* AlphaBitch: Vanessa.

* BreakTheHaughty: Vanessa.

%%* ElevatorSnare: A supernatural example in the first film. - ZCE

* EvilPhone

* ElevatorSnare: A supernatural example in the first film.

* BlondesAreEvil: Probably stretching this a ''bit'', but Vanessa is most certainly not a pleasant person. (Perhaps played a little more straight when [[spoiler:she becomes a part of the curse]].)
** Same with [[spoiler:the principal when she too becomes a part of the curse]].