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THE
EYE
AKA:
Seeing Ghosts
Year:
2002 Reviewer: Tony
Ryan
Eastern
horror films have garnered quite a reputation in the West over
the past couple of years with Japanese films such as 'Ringu'
and 'Audition' gaining the highest attention. This Hong Kong
offering has done extremely well since its arrival over a year
ago and has even had successful theatrical releases in a
number of European countries.
Hong
Kong horror has usually been associated with the comedy or
kung fu styled films such as 'Mr.
Vampire' or 'Encounters
Of The Spooky Kind', but this film shows that modern
filmmakers can hold their own in a serious dramatic production
with an aim to chill its audience instead of grossing them
out. 'The Eye' does not offer a totally original story but it
is told with style, and its visual imagery will stay with the
viewer for a long time to come.
Without
revealing the plot, this is an excellent mix of jumpy moments,
disturbing visuals and a dramatic tale, which is likely to
appeal to a wide cross-section of the public. It is not as
scary as something like 'Ringu' but does offer a wider set of
characters with whom you can empathise more strongly. Without
giving the plot away, there are enough small twists and
heart-wrenching moments to appeal to those with a softer edge
while still offering some more conventional shocks.
If
you are a fan of slasher films and gory splatter fests, then
this is not for you. However, if you like your horror with a
more subtle edge and a strong narrative then this comes highly
recommended.
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