DVD Hong Kong Panorama Region 0 98 minutes Directed by Oxide Pang Danny Pang Written by JoJo Hui Oxide Pang Danny Pang With Angelica Lee Lawrence Chow Candy Lo Available to purchase at HKFlix.com 
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Home | Upcoming | Reviews | In Cinemas | Links | Features | Editorials | Search R E V I E W The Eye (2002) Danny and Oxide Pang are identical twin brothers from Thailand. Their first film colloboration was the derivative but stylish and persuasive Bangkok Dangerous, about a deaf assassin. This film was a hit when it played in Hong Kong cinemas in May 2002. The Pang brothers are at work on two more projects for Applause Pictures, the production company behind this effort, reportedly a comedy and a martial arts vehicle. MOVIE Plot: Mun, sightless since the age of 2, receives a cornea transplant and regains her vision. Her joy is tempered by the startling revelation that she can now see things that nobody else can. Performances: Angelica Lee does not breathe fireworks but is entirely believable as Mun; her natural performance grounds the entire film in reality. Lawrence Chow is her visual therapist/psychologist; Candy Lo has a small role as Mun's flight attendant sister. Also appearing are Yut Lai So as a young hospital patient, Chutcha Rujinanon as a crucial cornea donor, Pierre Png as a Thai doctor, Edmund Chen as Mun's eye surgeon, and Yin Ping Ko as Mun's grandmother. Production: Once again, the Pang Brothers demonstrate their superior eye (no pun intended) for visual storytelling. The most compelling sequences combine music, sound effects, sharp editing, visual effects, and minimal dialogue. They are, simply put, enthralling. The fresh take on ideas that are beginning to feel a bit shop-worn (the "I see dead people" genre) results in a tense yet intelligent thrill ride. Beyond the moments that may make the hair on the back of one's neck stand up, there is also a sympathetic consideration of the effect all these events are having upon Mun. One false note may be that her family is shut out at a crucial time, in favor of assistance from Mun's visual therapist, and the suggestion of a romance between the two. Though the romance angle is an unnecessary distraction, ultimately that decision feels right, because the primary point is that Mun wants to gain independence after so many years of relying upon others to live her life. The unexpectedly powerful if imperfect conclusion wraps everything up in a way that, again, feels right emotionally, in a fatalistic sort of way. The Pang Brothers edited the film. Decha Srimantra served as director of photography. Orange Music is credited with the haunting musical score. The latter two creative talents also worked on Bangkok Dangerous. Rating: Category IIB for horrifying images. DVD Look: Very good. For the most part, black levels are quite deep, colors are well saturated, and flesh tones look natural. Certain sequences are very dark (evidently by design), so some details are lost. The source print displays just a little wear and tear. Sound: Excellent. The DTS Cantonese audio track reaches right out and bites the viewer appropriately at scary moments. Also included are DD 2.0 (stero) Cantonese and Mandarin tracks. Subtitles: Good. The white removable English subtitles are easy to read and well timed. Also included are Chinese subtitles. Features: Twelve chapters can be selected from a multi-page, still-frame menu. Click on "Hits Express" to view trailers for Avalon, Blow, and Nowhere to Hide. RECOMMENDATION Highly recommended. Intelligent and scary movie well-suited to late night viewing with the lights out. Home | Upcoming | Reviews | In Cinemas | Links | Features | Editorials | Search |