Eep.
The Lowdown: Asian horror films are freakin’ scary, there is no doubt. Of the many classics in the genre, The Eye is worthy of its status as one of the better Asian horror films. It’s not the scariest horror film, let alone the scariest Asian horror film (I shudder to think of what that may be), but it is one of the best-directed and acted. The influence of this little Hong Kong gem on many other horror films that came afterwards is apparent.1. The Plot: Mun (Angelica Lee) is a blind girl who receives a cornea transplant, enabling her to see. There is an adjustment period after her surgery; since she has been blind for most of her life, she isn’t used to seeing things. That isn’t her biggest worry, however; the problem is that thanks to her transplant, Mun now sees dead people. Naturally, this freaks her out, especially when the dead spirits begin affecting her life. Mun then has to track down where her new corneas came from in order to uncover the mystery.
2. The Characters:The Eye is basically a character study. With that being said, the film is notable for the brilliant performance by Angelica Lee, which earned her a deserved Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actress. It’s incredibly difficult to convincingly act like a blind person, but not only does Lee achieve that, but she is convincing as a former blind person adjusting to daily life. It’s actually somewhat heartbreaking, since Mun’s newfound sight alienates her a bit from her life. She was once a violinist in a band of blind people, but now that she can see, she is kicked out of the group. It’s a small touch, but the quiet dejection that Mun faces is affecting. Angelica Lee also hardly does any of that hysterical screaming and overacting that characterizes so many other female horror movie protagonists. Her performance is quiet and subtle, and is all the better for it.
Pictured: Great acting.
3. Consistency: If I had to pinpoint what it was about Asian horror films that makes them so much creepier and more unsettling than any other kind of horror film, I would have to state two reasons: 1) Asian horror films seem to take their material far more seriously, without any regard for audience expectations, and 2) they seem to be more consistent in tone and atmosphere overall. I can’t recall an Asian horror-comedy. I recall films such as Pulse, The Grudge, Dark Water, The Ring, and Shutter, all of which are dark and take their subjects very seriously. Average moviegoers see horror films for cheap thrills, but many of the Asian horror films I’ve encountered focus on dramatic horror that creeps one out long after the film ends. In short, Asian horror films are made to stick in one’s mind for a long time, and they don’t shy away from the bloody or the macabre. Asian horror films are noted for the overbearing sense of dread that they convey. Throughout the film, it is clear that something is horribly, horribly wrong. Great attention is paid to character actions and the setting in order to establish said morbid tone. The tone often remains consistent throughout the film. Attention to the atmosphere is also paid, and with creepy sets, panicked expressions, and sharp editing, it is very effective and consistent in Asian horror films. In the case of The Eye, the tone isn’t immediately dark. Instead, it gradually becomes darker and more sinister as the film progresses and Mun gets used to her eyes. As Mun adjusts to her newfound sight, however, she becomes increasingly depressed and actually begins to miss being blind. She is alienated from her circle of blind friends, and now has to pretty much change her whole lifestyle; she has to learn people’s faces and learn how to write. As one is feeling sorry for Mun, the filmmakers decide to reveal that she can see dead people, and it becomes clear that not everything one sees is pretty. One of the most effective tricks used is Mun’s blurry vision. It begins once she receives her transplant, and it makes sense given that she needs time to adjust to her new eyes. Mun’s hazy vision turns everything into distorted, fuzzy blobs, and it becomes impossible to make out anything, although one’s mind instantly assumes that any of those blobs could be a dead spirit, and there is tension. Obscuring visuals is a great psychological trick, and The Eyepulls it off spectacularly.
Um, maybe some things are better left unseen...oh forget it.
The Bottom Line: The Eye is a classic for many reasons. It is meticulously and brilliantly directed by the renowned Pang Brothers, who still make horror films to this day. Angelica Lee demonstrates that subtle facial expressions and gestures can convey more than sweaty overacting ever could. Many of the details in the film clearly inspired future horror films. The best part: The Eye is genuinely creepy. Highly recommended.The Eye is property of Applause Pictures and Mediacorp Raintree Pictures. This review was written by me.
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