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to buyReviewed By: Paul Cooke
Director : Ann Hui
Producer : Abe Kwong
Starring : Eason Chan , Shu Qi & Sam Lee
The Hong Kong Box Office hit casts its ghostly reflection upon the shiny disc home DVD format and retains the intelligent , smart , humorous and intensely creepy atmosphere that garnered it such a word of mouth following upon initial release. This arm chair gripping movie holds the attention and cleverly rewards the viewer by piecing together the ghostly intricateness' perfectly in pulse pounding revelation come the final scene.
A very well structured film delivered with all the artisan skill of renowned Asian Director Ann Hui , who seamlessly engraves many nuances from a production that has its roots etched out by the innovative ghost story telling from M. Night Shyamalan. As with his entree par excellence , ‘ The Sixth Sense ’ , perhaps , ‘ Visible Secret ’, shall also become influentially further appreciated with a second viewing.
The ever delectable Shu Qi is so charming to watch and subconsciously diverse to an audience caught up in her storyline amongst the cleverly unravelling on screen stratagem that is also playing out. She is ably paired with on screen boyfriend Eason Chan as well as the always entertaining and ubiquitous talent that is the multi hair faceted Sam Lee , who enjoyably provides fun relief between the spooky moments.
With a film opening cameo that has Anthony Wong being hit by a car and then thrown under a moving tram , resulting in his head being severed clean off , then having his decapitated body stumbling down the road headless with blood squirting out , the film is guaranteed to grab the attention from there on in.
The subtleties of the film are numerous with many clues as to the unravelling events littered throughout , but in the best traditions of true quality fiction the satisfaction is to be had in the sampling with the feeling of contentment when fully consumed. From start to back of the neck tingling finish ,‘ Visible Secret ’, wholly satisfies its seat rooted patrons , leaving them with that feeling of de ja vu as the penny drops with a clarity that is equalled only by the films quite superb audio accompaniments.
Any detailed revelations into the movies story line would spoil the induction into a wholly satisfying viewing experience that should be savoured first hand , but if watching with a loved one do make sure come the end of the movie that it is their hand you are holding and not that of someone or something else !.
Film: 3 1/2 Bitch Slaps
Picture: 3 1/2 Bitch Slaps
Sound: 3 1/2 Bitch Slaps
Extras: 3 Bitch Slaps
Overall: 3 Bitch Slaps
Film Reviewed : Visible Secret
Production : 2001
Format : DVD
Release : Media Asia Distribution Ltd
Coding : All Region NTSC
Sound : AC3 Dolby Digital 5.1
Extras : Anamorphic 16:9 / Original Teaser & Trailer / Comic Book
Version / Making Of / Cast & Crew Bios