Ring 0: Birthday

Set as a prequel to the iconic horror series, this film delves into the mysterious origins of the vengeful spirit, Sadako Yamamura. The narrative unfolds 30 years prior to the events of the original story, exploring Sadako’s life as a young woman with psychic abilities and her involvement in a theater troupe. Directed by Norio Tsuruta, the movie stars Yukie Nakama, who delivers a compelling performance as Sadako, offering a deeper understanding of her tragic transformation. While it didn’t receive any major awards, the film is notable for its atmospheric tension and psychological depth. For those interested, it can be viewed for free on Soap2day.