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Saturday, June 18, 2005
Shutter, Shudder!
By Joji Alcantara
Cast : Ananda Everingham, Natthaveeranuch, Thongmee
Director: Parkpoom Wongpoom
Studio: Pan Asia Films (HK)
Genre: Horror, Thailand
A YOUNG, good-looking photographer (dead-ringer for Richard Gomez) and his girlfriend accidentally hit a woman on the road one night during their trip from a party. Too scared and shaken from the accident, they made a hit and run and sped off, leaving the dead body in the street.
A very common opening thriller scene, right? Wait, don't get your hopes dashed. Soon after this incident, strange things begin to happen and they don't stop. Ghostlike images appear on photos of the photographer (with his own darkroom, which makes for scarier moments, eek).
Soon enough, they are haunted with memories of the accident, and it seems the ghost of the woman is out for revenge. The couple is forced to do some investigation in order to appease the mad, mad spirit. Okay, I'll end the synopsis here and tell you a piece of my two-cents' worth. IT WILL SCARE THE INTESTINES OUT OF YOU.
The last time I screamed senseless at my monitor was the first time I viewed The Ring ages ago, followed by the first Ju-On (Grudge) film, then The Eye. After that, every film I viewed was a poor imitation of Sadako's haunting clones that set a trend in cool Asian spooks.
Still, I was hooked on Asian horror flicks because they simply tug at your inner senses than most of the Western horror films being tackily made (or do poor remakes).
The last film I viewed in Thailand was THE SISTERS. It was long, but creatively scary (step into my room and you will gawk at my Asian horror collection, I am obsessed). Nothing that will make your hackles rise, though.
The difference, however, with SHUTTER, is that it deals with real paranormal occurrence, and not just the thrill of spooking you with Sadako's long-haired cousins who appear out of nowhere.
You are really in for a good scare of your life as you intently watch, cringe, SCREAM with surprise (and believe me, YOU WILL), and huddle in your blankets (unless you watch it in the cinema). It should be called SHUDDER.
The best part is the plot. The story is so beautiful and simply tragic as it ends rightfully, with all the scary details in place.
The characters' acting is solid. I cannot explain how moved I was, not to mention awed at the effectiveness of its eerie special effects. If I am gushing, forgive me. I have seen way too many horror movies to tell the difference between a real scary film and just a forgettable horror flick.
Take note, that they have made use of real photographs taken with real ghost images in them. Yes, I beg you to watch Shutter, as it is being shown in cinemas now. Let me know if you leave your lights on when you sleep from now on. You will never look at your stiff neck in the same way again.
(More in www.witerary.com, or email witty@info.com.ph)
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (June 18, 2005 issue)
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