The Cursed Land
Thai horror The Cursed Land is an ambitious work that perhaps takes on too much in its attempt to deliver a fear-fare tale involving djinn while addressing issues involving the largely Muslim Malay community in Thailand. Mit (Ananda Everingham) is wracked by guilt over not being able to save his wife, who died in an accident. He moves with his teen daughter (Jennis Oprasert) to a large house — in disrepair and with talismans placed around it — in a Muslim residential area near Bangkok. Mit removes the talismans and diabolical supernatural events ensue. In trying to find solutions to his newfound bedevilment, Mit learns about the tragic past of the region. Director Panu Aree, who cowrote the screenplay with Kong Rithdee, offers much in the way of eerie atmosphere and is assisted by strong performances from his cast members. The pacing is often slow, sometimes because of plentiful flashbacks, and the running time of 131 minutes occasionally asks much of viewers. Overall, though, fans of Asian horror should find The Cursed Land an intriguing watch that has a goal of educating as well as entertaining. — Joseph Perry
Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In
Soi Cheang’s Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In is a love letter to classic Hong Kong action cinema. Set in the infamous Kowloon Walled City in the late 1980s, the film follows a mainland refugee, Chan Lok-kwun (Raymond Lam), seeking a new life in Hong Kong, only to find himself entangled in the city’s lawless underworld. The film opens with a series of exhilarating, yet brutally violent fight sequences, setting the tone for a story that unfolds in a gritty and unforgiving environment. Chan Lok-kwun, the film’s protagonist, is a refugee with no homeland, desperately seeking belonging. Lacking official documents, he struggles to earn a living and, like many refugees, faces exploitation at every turn. After being swindled by the notorious crime lord Mr. Big (Sammo Hung), he steals a bag of drugs and flees to the infamous Kowloon Walled City, hoping to find a buyer. While Mr. Big’s thugs are unable to pursue him into Kowloon, Chan Lok-kwun does not find the warm welcome he hoped for. Cyclone (Louis Koo), the leader tasked with maintaining order in the chaotic Walled City, is initially wary of the outsider. However, he soon warms to Chan Lok-kwun, recognizing his good character and strong work ethic. But Chan Lok-kwun’s newfound haven may be short-lived. A dark and violent secret from his past threatens to destroy both him and the fragile peace of Kowloon. Based on the book and manga City of Darkness, Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In is a thrilling Hong Kong action film with surprising depth. Director Cheang, known for his gritty crime dramas, dives into the complexities of the Walled City’s society, exploring themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and the fight for survival. He humanizes the inhabitants of Kowloon, while highlighting their harsh living conditions and the stark realities of income inequality. The film’s production design is exceptional, meticulously recreating the Walled City’s claustrophobic, vertical landscape, while cinematographer Cheung Siu-keung’s camerawork captures every detail in stunning clarity. Raymond Lam delivers a charismatic performance as Lok-kwun, and Louis Koo exudes power and danger as the mysterious Cyclone. The supporting cast is equally memorable, each character bringing a unique personality and fighting style to the mix. While the film’s third act feels slightly drawn out and some plot points seem contrived (a common trait in manga adaptations), Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In is an exciting ride, especially for fans of Hong Kong cinema. — Chris Weatherspoon
The Cursed Land and Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In screened as part of South Korea’s Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN), which ran July 4–14, 2024. For more info, check out their website at https://www.bifan.kr/eng/.
A man of the world, guest reviewer Chris Weatherspoon has lived in South Korea for “quite a bit.” A huge fan of all cinema, Chris also works locally in the entertainment industry, and knows what he is talking about . . . alright!?
