Pulse

Magnolia Pictures | Release Date: August 12, 2005

7.0	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 64 Ratings

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TheQuietGamerAug 11, 2020

More than just a simple horror movie, Pulse uses its concept of ghosts invading the world through the internet as a metaphor for the sense of loneliness and isolation that can come from social networking. Originally intended as a means ofMore than just a simple horror movie, Pulse uses its concept of ghosts invading the world through the internet as a metaphor for the sense of loneliness and isolation that can come from social networking. Originally intended as a means of letting us all establish a greater connection to one another, our always online society has instead revealed how distant we actually are from those around us, and not from a simply physical standpoint either. As we grow older and life gets more demanding it's become only natural to turn to the web to form and maintain bonds with other people. These links prove artificial however as they lack an emotional depth that's already difficult to establish with another person, while also proving no substitute for real, in the flesh interaction. Facing this revelation can be quite depressing and could ultimately leave you feeling more alone than ever. This is something the film portrays incredibly well. Even after all these years the people behind Pulse's creation were so ahead of the curve in terms of recognizing where our now largely digital lives were going to take us that this is still a relevant viewing experience despite the evolution of the technology it's centered around.

Of course, it is also very creepy. I wouldn't call it outright scary, but I did certainly get the heebie-jeebies from things like the way the ghosts move or the ominous webcam feeds that pop-up on the characters' computers without their consent. All the spooky bits are brought to life by unique visual effects that often make creative use of shadows and lighting to give the specters a distinctively otherworldly quality. All of which pairs nicely with the soundtrack to create a wonderfully tense atmosphere anytime things take a turn for the supernatural.

The feature's length is the sole thing I take any sort of fault with as it comes in at just under a meaty two hours. Even then though there's not a single scene or moment that feels unnecessary, and I was never legitimately bored at any point. So it's really more of a personal quibble than a legitimate issue. Yet, at the same time I did stop a few times while watching this to check and see how much was left only to end up saying to myself, "Wow, I still have THAT much left to get through?"

Cleverly using encounters with the spirits of the long-deceased as a means of symbolizing each character's realization of their lack meaningful relationships with the living, Pulse is concerned with a bit more than just freaking you out. This is horror with a message that is as poignant and melancholy as it is frightening due to how true to life its thematic content is. In hindsight, watching this after recently rejoining Facebook probably wasn't the smartest choice on my part.… Expand

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PanchogulMay 19, 2020

Esta película es un poco difícil de apreciar por lo bizarra y ambigua que puede resultar ser la trama, la cual a simple vista es muy simple, pero el desarrollo tiende a ser un poco errático y complejo de entender, aún así es toda una joya delEsta película es un poco difícil de apreciar por lo bizarra y ambigua que puede resultar ser la trama, la cual a simple vista es muy simple, pero el desarrollo tiende a ser un poco errático y complejo de entender, aún así es toda una joya del cine asiático y se las ingenia para ser espeluznante y lúgubre.… Expand

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ArsalSep 20, 2007

Kairo is an utter masterpiece. Nothing less, nothing more. It's not so much as the usual 'jump-because-we-said-so' horror movies being churned out as of late. It's atmospheric, dark, surreal, almost dream-like in some Kairo is an utter masterpiece. Nothing less, nothing more. It's not so much as the usual 'jump-because-we-said-so' horror movies being churned out as of late. It's atmospheric, dark, surreal, almost dream-like in some scenes. Recommended to everyone who's sick of blood and guts being spurted at the screen for no reason, and to fans of art-house cinema.… Expand