The Eye: A chilling vision

Asian horror movies have changed the definition of "scaring the pants off" the audience; not with exaggerated use of blood, gore or grotesque looking objects but the mood that is created with intricate use of light, shadows and sounds, movements of the subjects and the unusual angles.

In fact, the Oriental horror flicks have become so popular, that even Hollywood took notice and cashed in by making its versions of Ringu (The Ring) and Ju-on (The Grudge).

Following that tradition, Thailand-based directors, Pang brothers don't let the horror movie aficionados down with their imaginative and chilling, The Eye (Gian Gui). This time Bollywood got bitten by the Oriental horror flick bug and made the much hyped, Urmila Matondkar starrer, 'xerox' version of The Eye, Naina. This has generated a new wave of interest in the original version.

While Shyamalan's The Sixth Sense introduced the "I see dead people" fright, The Eye takes the idea to a whole new level. The movie introduces us to Mun, a young woman who had been blind since she was two. She undergoes a corneal transplant. However, within a few hours of having the bandages removed, Mun starts getting visions of bizarre shadows. Though at first she doesn't suspect much, but eventually to her horror, she realises that she can see the spirits of the recently departed. Terrified by the horrors she is subjected to, Mun takes refuge in her familiar world of pitch-black darkness.

The first half of the movie is the film's ace card. The directors use Mun's post-operative blurry sight to create a truly creepy atmosphere and scary shapes are seen lurking in the background. But her brain needs to get used to the flood of visions. Mun, along with the audience, are left puzzled by the shadowy characters, as the fact remains that after having spent almost her entire life in darkness, one cannot be certain if the brain is interpreting correctly, what the eyes are telling her.

However, as her vision slowly comes into focus, the shadows become more intense and eerie, for instance, the spirit of the restless little boy, who wanders around Mun's apartment looking for his lost report card. It seems that in Hong Kong, a city of seven million people, there is almost a restless spirit lurking around every corner.

Regrettably though, the Pangs were not consistent in maintaining the momentum as the film moves into the latter half. Mun discovers a very cliched explanation behind the unwanted supernatural abilities she had inherited with the eyes. Another flaw, which might make any movie connoisseur giggle is the sounds the audience hear through Mun. Its understandable that she can see ghosts after the corneal transplant but did she have her ears replaced as well?

Fortunately, the directors make up for the shortcomings with a remarkable 'big bang' finale. The road accident, the explosion and the after effects are mind blowing.

Taiwanese singer-actress, Angelica Lee gets two thumbs up for her portrayal of Mun. She takes the audience to her scary world of shadows and makes one feel the range of emotions she goes through. The supporting actors were just passable.

If scary movies are your thing, dim or turn out the lights, get yourself some goodies and enjoy getting spooked. For the chicken hearted, company is suggested.