International horror hit “Ju-On: The Grudge” is coming to theaters courtesy of Vitagraph Films and Lions Gate Entertainment on July 23. The film will will premiere simultaneously in Los Angeles and New York City, expanding nationally to Chicago, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle and other markets.
Director/Writer Shimizu Takashi gives us a tale of a family who is brutally killed in their own home, leaving behind an evil spirit lurking in the shadows. When an unknowing homecare worker enters, the spirit is awakened and a terrifying chain of events begins, passing through all those who step foot in this dark house. This is the film Sam Raimi calls “The most frightening film I’ve ever seen, leaving you no time to catch your breath.”
“Ju-On: The Grudge” is the third film in the “Ju-On” series, following “Ju-On” and “Ju-On 2”, both underground hits released directly to video in Japan. It was also the first of the “Ju-On” films to be released theatrically, not only shocking Japanese audiences but also its distributor. Unable to find theaters willing to show the film, they watched as word of mouth turned it into a 500 million yen (US$4.7 million) box office sensation.
