Ring 0

Ringu 0: Birthday, a film directed by Norio Tsuruta, delves deep into the eerie and tragic backstory that led to the creation of the vengeful spirit Sadako from the renowned horror series, Ringu. Set thirty years prior to the events of Ringu, the film follows the early life of Reiko Asakawa's mother, Akane, in a small village surrounded by lush Japanese countryside. Akane, played by Kiyomi Itsubun, is depicted as a timid and reserved child, who harbors deep resentment towards her family, particularly her abusive brother, Tomoko, played by Ayano Yamaguchi, and her neglectful mother, Emiko, played by Tamao Satō. The story unfolds in 1955, where Akane finds solace in the local village, particularly in her friendship with a young boy, Koji, played by Takanori Natsuki, who lives a life plagued by poverty and the cruelty of his family. Together, Akane and Koji form a deep bond that gives her a sense of belonging and companionship. Koji becomes the recipient of Akane's affections and the object of her affections. Despite their deep connection, their friendship blossoms into unrequited love. Akane, desperate to escape the harsh realities of her life, becomes increasingly dependent on Koji's affection. However, their lives are forever changed with the arrival of a young, talented student teacher named Akanishi, who begins working at the local village school. Akanishi's charisma and charm captivate not only the students but also the attention of the village's women. It is Akanishi who unwittingly triggers a catastrophic event, which sets the wheels in motion for the tragic events that will eventually lead to Sadako's birth. As Akanishi's obsession with his students deepens, he begins to make inroads into the homes of the villagers, further exacerbating the village's already strained dynamics. His fixation on Akane, fueled by his obsession to break her spirit and gain control, sets in motion a series of events that have far-reaching consequences. Akanishi becomes a constant thorn in the side of Akane and Koji's blossoming relationship. His cruelty and degradation have Akane's family and community on edge, fearing for the safety of their children. It is in this tumultuous atmosphere that the fateful evening arrives, which sets in motion a chain of events that ultimately seals the fate not only of Akane, but also of her unborn daughter, who we would come to know as Sadako twenty years later. With the arrival of Akanishi at Akane's home, and a devastating event that unfolds, Akane's life spirals into a tragic downward spiral. Her once fragile hold on reality begins to disintegrate as she becomes consumed by her own darkness. The once timid girl, now transformed by anguish and despair, becomes a vessel for the wrath that will eventually unleash itself twenty years later in Ringu. The tragic events set in motion a chain reaction of suffering that will eventually give rise to the wrathful spirit that is Sadako. The vengeful spirit's birth is not just the work of one event but a culmination of countless tragedies, each triggered by the actions of those around her. It's a dark tale filled with heartbreak and a deep sense of loss that ultimately sets in motion a descent into madness, leaving the village forever changed. The conclusion of the film presents a glimpse into a haunting reality where the cycle of violence and suffering is a never-ending loop that perpetuates suffering and destruction. With each passing day, the darkness closes in, sealing the fate of the village. In a desperate attempt to hold on to what little happiness she had, Akane attempts to make a final connection with her unborn child, in a desperate bid to leave a mark, a piece of love that will live on. It is in that moment, with the camera lingering on her fragile face and the darkness closing in around her that the true horror of Sadako's creation is born.