Dead Talents Society

No pun intended - the movie is really funny. If you believe that there might be something after we die ... well the movie might be a ray of sunshine ... of sorts! Because of course it is not all roses and fun stuff. Actually it looks like even after death one has to prove oneself to say the least ... while it seems like fun stuff to do, I am not sure how many would want to be working so long after they are gone.

Many funny ideas, but also as crazy and out there as it is: predictable! If you have a weird mind perhaps, but still, I was able to guess where this was going to go. That said, it still is a lot of fun to watch. Acting is good all things considered - which includes a lot of silliness.

Let me start off this review by saying that this movie was really likable. The cast was great, the characters were unique and enjoyable, and the overall narrative was pretty original. We follow a young ghost woman who tries to create her own urban legend after her death. In this world, it's completely normal to exist in the afterlife, and many ghosts spend their time scaring the living with their coolest scare ideas, hoping to go viral in the afterlife.

Our protagonist isn't really interested in that, but soon she realizes she has no choice, otherwise, she will simply be erased. With the help of her friend and numerous other characters, she must try to create the perfect scare. However, it's not as easy as it sounds, since you need both talent and even a license.

As I mentioned at the start, this movie has plenty of enjoyable aspects. From a technical standpoint, it's well-made and consistently entertaining. It heavily leans into comedy and supernatural elements, with some drama and horror mixed in. The film mirrors the world of the living, reflecting themes of fame, glamour, and the pursuit of being unforgettable. It's a unique take, showcasing a ghost world with its own TV shows and even awards for the best scares.

That being said, the movie isn't without flaws. The biggest issue for me was that it sometimes felt a little all over the place. The fast editing, combined with frequent close-ups on characters' faces and the added challenge of reading subtitles in time, made it feel overstimulating at times. Maybe this would smooth out on a rewatch, but during my first viewing, it was a bit much. Additionally, some of the comedic elements tried a little too hard for my taste, which made a few scenes fall flat instead of fully landing their humor.

Overall, it's an enjoyable movie with a lot of talent involved, even if it can feel overwhelming at times. If you don't mind that or are generally a fan of Asian comedy cinema, I would definitely recommend giving this a try, especially since it's easily available on Netflix. [5,6/10]

Truly loved this movie. In a way you could say I felt seen. This horror movie is a breath of fresh air. In all its gore and pain, there's something real intimate and honest hidden within the movie. This movie has themes that speak directly to the heart and mind, but visibly covered with laughter and the color red. The characters were lovable, relatable and first and for most you truly hear them out as individuals. Super fun take of the supernatural. The movie is great, and quite frankly I recommend for anyone who wants to watch something. If you've ever wondered in your life time what it is to be seen, maybe you'll find this answer within this movie. I did anyways.

"Dead Talent Society" is not only incredibly humorous but also a thought-provoking comedy. It presents a concept where people, after death, seem to live once more and go through endless cycles of reincarnation. However, the essence of life remains unchanged. Even though one's lifestyle may differ after death, life's inherent frustrations remain constant. This invites deeper reflection on the nature of existence.

The collaboration between Gingle Wang and director John Hsu, which first caught my attention in their earlier work on Detention, has once again proven to be compelling. While Detention had a faster-paced rhythm and excelled in creating an immersive atmosphere-highlighting the director's skill in capturing actors' subtle expressions-Dead Talent Society demonstrates an even greater mastery of comedic timing. It adeptly balances humor and emotional depth, allowing certain viewers to engage in reflection on life while also catering to a wider audience. Although the story is set in a post-death world, it inevitably leads one to ponder a profound philosophical question: What is the purpose of life?

Sandrine Pinna's performance is particularly impressive, as she vividly portrays a character that embodies both frustration and affection. It's also worth mentioning that the relationships between characters are beautifully depicted, emphasizing the power of support and connection. Even the divide between life and death cannot sever these bonds. These heartwarming interactions bring a smile to the audience's face, adding depth to the story and making the characters even more endearing.

The film's world-building seems to offer ample room for further development. While I look forward to potential spin-offs or related works, I also worry that over-expansion might risk diluting the integrity of this fascinating universe.

This film is a delightful blend of fresh and abundant humor that keeps the audience thoroughly entertained from start to finish. The premise is both unique and intriguing: a ghost who desperately wants to avoid fading away into nothingness so that he can continue watching over his family, staying connected to their lives even after death. To achieve this, the ghost must master the art of scaring people, making his presence known to the living in order to maintain his existence in the human world. The irony, however, is that in trying to become a ghost who doesn't disappear, the ghost ends up working harder and living more rigorously than he ever did when he was alive, just to remain in this world.

What makes this film truly special is how it intertwines its comedic elements with deeply thought-provoking themes. While on the surface it may seem like a lighthearted comedy about a ghost trying to scare people, it actually explores profound ideas about life, death, and the lengths we go to in order to stay connected with those we love. The ghost's journey is both humorous and poignant, as he learns various scare tactics and practices them tirelessly, all for the sake of remaining close to his family.

The relationships between the characters are beautifully portrayed, with a strong emphasis on mutual support and the bonds that tie them together, even across the boundary between life and death. These moments of connection bring a warm smile to your face, adding depth to the story and making the characters even more endearing.

This film is truly a rare gem-a perfect balance of humor, heart, and deep reflection. It's a movie that will make you laugh out loud, but also leave you with a sense of profound emotion, as it touches on universal themes of love, loss, and the desire to stay close to those we care about. I highly recommend seeing this film in theaters, as it offers an experience that will make you both laugh and cry, leaving a lasting impact on your heart and mind.