I Am a Ghost

I Am a Ghost (2012) is a movie I watched for free off Amazon Prime last week. The storyline focuses on a woman, Emily, who is a ghost that gets randomly contacted by a clairvoyant who is trying to release her as a spirit within a house. To convince Emily she is indeed a ghost and walk her through how to leave the house the clairvoyant will need to walk Emily through her death, her life that led to her death and help her overcome her inner demon(s). This movie is directed by H. P. Mendoza (Rodents of Unusual Size) and stars Anna Ishida (Bitter Melon). The storyline for this picture is actually pretty interesting and a unique take on the poltergeist genre. The movie dragged during some parts in the middle but I really enjoyed the ending and how the pieces/parts came together. I strongly recommend watching this if you're looking for something different. I'd give it a 7/10.

There have been an undeniable amount of ghost pictures in our history. But only a teaspoon of them can make you sit back and question yourself on what might actually happens when we die.

Presented in a very original and artistic screen with some stunning visuals and shots, we follow the story of Emily (Anna Ishida) in what is a long opening act as she goes about her day. Now, this will put most people off but, bare with it, as everything that happens during the entirety of the film is apparent and necessary. 99% of the picture is carried by Anna Ishida. A very small cast is used here and that makes for an excellent ghost film.

One of the key points about 'I am A Ghost',that ANY film enthusiast will feel comforted by is this, 'I am A Ghost' doesn't treat you like a moron. Many films similar to, or just plain complicated will retract back to earlier scenes to tell you, 'Hey, dumb ass, remember this bit? Yeah, this bit means that bit. Okey carry on watching I'll be back to remind you again in 3 minutes'. Everything compiles into a well structured plot that even if you feel lost part way, will eventually be clicking your fingers saying, "Oh Blimey! That's what that was".

Now why didn't I give this a whopping 10/10? In truth, the opening act is long and repetitive, even if it is key, it still feels like a fist- in-cheek 'chop chop hurry up' moment. Next, is some of the effects used are poor and feel a little bit silly for a picture that is so good, but aside that, the plot keeps it strong.

Now, notice how I am not saying an entire amount about this picture? Well the plot that floats about and even on this site explains more than enough. And I quote~ (*If you refuse to read the plot on this site, skip to the next paragraph, if you don't give two-damns, please, continue reading as I detest spoilers more than anything on this floating rock we call Earth!*)~~ 'Emily is a troubled spirit. With the help of Sylvia, a clairvoyant hired to rid the house of spirits, Emily is forced into a 'patient/therapist' relationship, uncovering disturbing mysteries about her past that may help her move on to 'the next place'.~~ End Quote So to say more than that is more than enough and even that itself is far too much information!

Conclusion. This is a smart, gorgeous, underrated must see! This shall be placed high on the shelf along side The Others, Sixth Sense and Martyrs. A single actor throughout most (if not all) the film. Wonderfully directed by H.P Mendoza, showing off his style by not filming what is not needed, then giving us visual chocolate. An incredibly eerie and haunting soundtrack that fits into place like a Soul-mate (Oh I am scandalous!) And most of all, an ambiguous ending.

I'm going to open by saying, none of the positive reviews on this movie are "fluff reviews" they are genuine reviews by people who watched this movie and enjoyed it like I did. Now that that is out of the way, on to discussing the move at hand. I think my biggest enjoyment was getting to watch something original and not formulaic or that has already been done 100 times. Not that I'm against that, when a formula works, it works and you keep using it. It's just hard to find new creative ideas for movies this day in age and this movie has done just that. There is no twist in my opinion, this movie is very open and upfront about what it is. We the viewers are experiencing the "ghosts" side of the story as opposed to the living and "mediums" side which is how almost every other ghost story is told. I'm going to leave it at that because if that doesn't interest you enough to go watch this movie, then you probably wouldn't have liked it anyway. My only complaint really is the opening sequence gets a little mundane and could've been shortened and if time needed to be added to make to for that, we could've delved into the back story of the main character more, because they're are questions that get brought up, but never answered. One big question that is brought up though, but not verbally answered I feel is answered by the movies scenery, props, and the main characters attire. The ending is left a little open but I think if you sit back and take a little time to think about it, you can come to your own solid conclusion of what happened. That being said, I think that's why the director took the ending in that direction. In closing, I felt I need to write a review about this movie due to the not so intelligent people leaving negative reviews about not understanding what this movie is about and making false accusations against the positive reviews left about this movie. Currently, it is available for free, with ads, on vudu. So go watch it

Wow. What a powerful, moving, scary, and relatable story. Horror has always been my forte, but this micro budgeted beauty is far more than horror. Anna Ishida is excellent as the lost spirit, who even in death loses something more. The film is stripped of traditional storytelling, and is very art-house so know what you're headed in for. It's not one of those straight- forward, clunk-headed horror action pictures. It takes time to build suspense, its character(s), and its haunting and surreal atmosphere. What is especially haunting is, and this is coming from someone who worked with a shaman, it seems ultra-realistic to accounts of dead person's experiences (the little the clairvoyants in this world can understand). I could actually see this being the experience of a spirit who clearly is bound to this world by a force she thinks she cannot control, but in the end realizes she can. It's a great film about finding out who you really are, and about the beast in all of us. I hope to see more from this director, and this was a solid effort. Encore.

I am not really much of a film buff and I cannot remember commenting on a film in my life, but i do enjoy reading and listening to audio-book ghost stories instead of watching films, but this is a little gem. The great thing about this 'low budget' film is that it is not padded out with over the top effects, which can be a turn off when over done. The film has a decent story backed up by a fine and believable acting performance from Anna Ishida, i really felt for her character.

I will be on the lookout for more low budget films from now on and hope that i can find a few more quality films like this. Low budget does not mean low quality.

8/10 and well done to those involved in making this little gem.