THE EYE Dir: The Pang Brothers. Starring: Lee Sin-je, Angelica Lee, Chutcha Rujinanon, Lawrence Chou. Continuing to prove that Asian cinema really does know how to scare the hell out of it's audience, this latest film from The Pang Brothers (who were also responsible for the stylish thriller Bangkok Dangerous which hit cinema screens earlier this year) might not be anywhere near as astonishing as the truly original Ring, but it definitely has enough moments of true terror to keep even the most desensitised horror fan nervously clutching the sides of their seat. Blind since the age of 2, Mun (Lee Sin-je) has a cornea transplant and gradually regains her sight. But rather unfortunately, she can also see the ghosts of those who have committed suicide, and the shadowy figures who guide the dead on to the next realm. At first she doubts her sanity, but after help from her psychoanalyst, she decides to find out who's corneas she's received, and just why such strange events are taking place all around her.
	Comparisons with The Sixth Sense are inevitable, this is after all a horror film about a lead protagonist who can see dead people, but whilst that much overrated film uses that idea as the basis of the entire film, this just takes it as it's starting point, and leads to a much more deranged closure, and one which makes far more sense, and which is far more satisfying, than that of The Sixth Sense. The dialogue is beautifully written (and has been translated well) and the Pang brother's skilfully build up the tension throughout. It's not a perfect film though. Plotwise it's a bit all over the place, and a little slow at first as Mun recovers from her operation and tries to understand what exactly is going on, but the final thirty minutes speed along at an incredible rate, and the ending is suitably fitting. The performances are mostly excellent (though both Dr Lo's have little to do other than look confused or sympathetic), as is the soundtrack, but this is a film which you'll enjoy far more on a visual level. Indeed, the only complaint you might have is that there aren't enough really disturbing moments, as the ones present are so superb you'll find yourself longing for more. But this is only a minor point, and the Pang Brothers have succeeded in making one of the scariest films of recent years. Though those of a nervous disposition should probably avoid it, but hey, shouldn't that be true of all of the best horror films? Alex Finch. Agree / Disagree with this review? Then click to have your say on the forum.
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