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"Rigor Mortis" is Hong Kong's call-back to new resurgence of horror/fantasy. Billed as a feature film inspired by a popular the popular Vampire films of the 80's. this movie gives us a dark, wondrous nightmare. Starring Anthony Chan, Siu-Ho Chin, Kara Hui, Hoi-Pang Lo, Richard Ng, and Hee Ching Paw. The plot revolves around an ex actor on a downward spiral, longing for death, who moves into an apartment tower where realm of supernatural and humanity are entwined.

"Rigor Mortis" offers a fantastical fantasy world of horror, drama and Hong Kong action. The story is multi-layered with lives tangled in a hellish fate. There are elements of melodrama and gore that move in a wonderful ballet of emotion and carnage. I feel that the story works as a modern retelling of some ancient Chinese fable, the concepts and character development seem so complex and powerful that it just screams of morality wisdom from the past. Either way it is a tale that embraces both the old supernatural beliefs and contemporary style that proves Hong Kong's dominance over this blended fantasy/horror genre.

The special effects and soundtrack utilized in "Rigor Mortis" is top notch. The sounds are creepy, often creating a dark atmosphere of desperation scene after scene. The sets where depressing, lifeless tombs of fading lives that would send chills up Takashi Shimizu and Clive Barker's backs. "Rigor Mortis" uses some pretty spectacular CGI and practical effects for the fantasy and horror elements. Epic visual moments weave into the film in true whimsical opulence while the blood soaked gore combined with the chilling horror scenes create a nightmare fantasy that captivates and entertains. Just based on "Rigor Mortis" as an independent entity untethered from it's inspiration, homages and such I found this to be one of the best horror/fantasy films that I have ever seen. "Rigor Mortis" is Juno Mak's masterpiece and a must see film!

For way too long have Korea, Thailand and Japan dominated the Asian market as far as ghost movies go. And it is really, really nice to see Hong Kong make a mark for itself in the ghost genre. Director Juno Mak has really managed to put together a really unique movie here.

Unlike other Asian ghost movies, then this is not a stereotypical ghost movie with a dead girl in a white dress and having her long, black hair covering her face. No, this is way beyond that. Sure it has that element as well, but it just takes it to the next step. And as if that isn't enough, then "Rigor Mortis" also throws in the element of the Chinese vampire mythology into the mix. Odd? Perhaps. Does it work? Oh yeah it does!

"Rigor Mortis" is a very visual and graphic movie, which is rather unlike most Asian ghost movies, and it is a much needed and most welcomed contribution to the genre.

However, a word of warning, "Rigor Mortis" is not just for everyone, especially not if you are set in the way of the traditional Asian ghost movies. But enter this movie with an open mind and leave yourself open to the impressions, but visual and subliminal.

The story in "Rigor Mortis" is about a troubled man who comes to an old and rundown building, where he rents room 2442 - a room with a dark and troubled past. Set out to take his own life and end his torment, it becomes clear that the entire building is a locale of haunts, gruesome tales, and dark magic.

Effects-wise, then "Rigor Mortis" is a visual treat, eye candy if you will. Why? Well, because the CGI effects were realistic and came off a believable, and really helped augment the story and the flow of the movie. And it was nice to see some Asian ghost aside from that stereotypical girl in white dress with her hair covering her entire face.

If you enjoy Asian horror movies, or perhaps ghost movies in particular, then you should without a doubt take a look at Juno Mak's movie, because it is rather amazing. Great entertainment, good story, nice effects and a great change of pace in this particular genre.

Rigor Mortis, alongside Dream Home (2011) and Vulgaria (2012) is a string of strikingly local, one-hundred percent "Made in HK" cantonese productions thoroughly tickling the film buds of HK-cinefreaks like myself.

Prepared in a film industry long perceived as dead by me. One that since have been focusing on mainland China as its' main moviegoer, racking up Chinese-produced spectacles featuring dubbed mainland performers when not dishing out Lan Kwai Fong 1,2,3. This is a very, if not exceptionally, welcomed piece of what drove me to HK-cinema in the first place.

Take a slice of 80's hopping vampires sans the comedy, blended into perfection with stylish visuals, Ju-On-esque storytelling, loads of urban cantonese profanities and one can totally engulf himself in a genuine Hong-Kong movie experience. One rarely stumbled upon today.

Thank you, Juno Mak!

Director Juno Mak brings us a horror HK movie like nothing else, a story about a former actor who makes his new home at a creepy, dark and depressed-looking Hong Kong public housing tower. There, he encounters a slew of ghosts and zombies.

It was nice to see a brand new horror movie from Hong Kong that pays homage to the classic Mr. Vampire and other ghost genre movies of the 1980s-1990s. Actors from the original Mr. Vampire series reunited to star in this film, including Chin Siu Ho, Anthony Chan, Billy Lau, Chung Fat and Richard Ng. They, including others in the movie, gave a very powerful and dramatic performance in their respective roles. Lai-yin Leung and Philip Yung wrote a very moody, dark and eerie story that, despite being a homage, provided a huge departure to the Chinese vampire/ghost movies of the 80s and 90s. The usual lighthearted humor and slapstick comedy seen in those movies were sorely absent in this film.

The darkness and gloomy atmosphere that surrounded this movie almost made it seem that the heydays of those classic ghost/vampire movies were long gone. Still, though, the setting and cinematography were a nice touch and it accentuated the horror and solemn drama felt in the film.

The plot goes at a fairly fast pace, keeping you engaged and intrigued. The main vampire in the film was executed very well and all the events leading to its appearances provided enough creepiness and terror to make the hair raise behind your neck.

While a pretty scary and intriguing movie, many of the plot points are confusing and the special effects team relied too heavily on CGI. The two female ghosts portrayed in the film seemed like a rip-off of The Grudge and the hopping vampire didn't really hop much - just gliding from place to place with heavy CGI influence. In addition, the bloody gore and adult themes were done overboard.

Overall, it's not a horrible movie. I prefer watching the Chinese vampires movies of the 80s and 90s, but this one is worth the watch at least once for a good scare and reminiscing.

Grade C-

Rigor Mortis is not a horror movie that is eager to scare the pants out of people. As what the trailer suggests, it is a moody atmospheric horror movie that is borderline art-house. What may surprise audience is that it actually takes its time to develop the story.

The story: It is quite straight-forward. A man moves into a spooky apartment in a 'washed- out' building. It is expected as spirits inhabit the apartment and things happen. Hold on before you think this will turn into a thrilling and scary ride. In fact, this favours slow-burning thrills and pace. It doesn't move in a break-neck pace but strangely the slow-burning pace will urge you to find out more. It builds up to a visually stunning climax where a fight with the vampire ensues. The stylish effects including the slo-mo and a few brief fight scenes enhance the movie, adding a flavour to it. The moody atmosphere of the movie is commendable.

Overall: It is commendable that this breaks away from the other horror movies. Instead it is a bleak but stylish horror movie with a slower pace. Watch this movie without thinking too much and let the story reveal its truth in its own style.

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