“Hex” Blu-ray Cover
Director: Kuei Chih-Hung
Producer: Runme Shaw
Cast: Tien Ni, Wong Yung, Chan Si Gaai, Shum Lo, Lee Sau Kei, Hon Gwok Choi, Ma Chao, Chan Laap Ban, Lau Yat Fan, Wong Ching Ho, Stephen Chan Yung
Running Time: 90 min.
By Martin Sandison
Hex is the first release from 88 Films’ new “88 Asia” Collection. This UK-based label is known its horror/exploitation releases, and have pledged with this new line to release full HD Blu-rays with supplemental material. As a flagship for this, Hex is wonderful. The picture is clear, not upscaled, and the extras feature some good information from the ever-present, Hong Kong film historian, Bey Logan.
Unfortunately, the film itself is a little disappointing. Of course the viewer has to take into account that Hex was made in 1980 and has dated, especially in its approach to effective horror. But as far as Asian-style atmospherics and Shaw Brothers charm are concerned, there is much to be enjoyed.
Set sometime in the early 20th century, Hex begins as Chun Yu (Wong Yung, Bastard Swordsman) beats his consumption-riddled wife Chan Sau Ying (Tanny Tien Ni, The Magic Blade). Along the way, the daughter of a family friend, Leung Yi Wah (Chan Sze Kai, Buddha’s Palm), offers to help out by looking after Chan. Together, the two plot to murder Chun, which results in them being haunted by his ghost, or so it seems…
Hex starts off well, but the mix of horror, comedy and drama doesn’t do it any favours as the plot develops. Hex is overlong, with the entire comedic interlude pointless. Ma Chao, who appeared in countless films of the time (recognisable from his trademark “crossed eyes”) is heavily featured in this section. Suffice to say, it’s tiresome.
On the plus side, the film’s set design, roving camerawork and lighting are of high standards. The family’s house is especially creepy and is used brilliantly by director Kuei Chih Hung (The Gold Connection), who began as an assistant director for Shaws in the 60’s, graduating to director later on. He helmed one of the most notorious Hong Kong horror films, The Killer Snakes (1974), and went from strength to strength after this.
Hex shows signs of a good eye and attention to detail in its aesthetic. There are definitely some good ideas when it comes to horror devices. In one scene, a disembodied hand crawls on its fingers towards a victim… if Sam Raimi didn’t see this before making Evil Dead 2, I would be very surprised; such is the similarity to that masterpiece. Also, the ending’s ritual, filmed with surrealistic visuals, is something to appreciate.
The scares, which may have been effective at the time, are predictable and silly for today’s standards. This is unfortunate, given the Shaw Brothers approach to their action films (made during the same year) have certainly not lost any impact.
Those looking to get their adrenalin pumping with a scary Asian movie, look elsewhere. But if you want a strong atmosphere, laced with the period stylings of a Shaw Brothers film, then check it out.
Martin Sandison’s Rating: 6.5/10
