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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Expecting something like Ju-on or Ringu? Don't., January 9, 2005
This review is from: Double Vision (DVD)
Well if I'd ever had the illusion that Asian horror films were inherently superior, Double Vision set me straight. It was an interesting way to kill an evening, I'll grant you, but only just.
Plot summary: a series of bizarre deaths in Taiwan baffle local investigators, so an American FBI agent Kevin Richter (David Morse) is called in to solve the murders. He's the topmost serial killer expert in the field, but even he cannot explain the seemingly supernatural circumstances surrounding the crime scenes. For example In one case a businessman froze to death in his office - in the middle of a heatwave; the mistress of a prominent official telephones the fire department and is later found burned to death - with no sign of a fire in her apartment. Richter's partner, a local cop, has less trouble believing that something supernatural is behind them, and on that angle he persuades him to investigate a local cult. They discover increasingly disturbing evidence that there are demonic forces at work in Taiwan.
My big letdown with this film started when I realized that the story was very slowly paced and not nearly as creepy as the trailer would have led me to believe. It's clear that the director is going for an atmospheric buildup in a tradition similar to that of Ringu; it just doesn't pay off well. Another sore point for me was the way that Richter's relationship with his Taiwanese partner was sketched in halfheartedly, as if it was something conventionally expected in a "cop buddy" flick , but not important enough to take more than a whirl at. The usual clichés apply there, like the American being overly blunt and disrespectful, the local trying to reign in his embarrassing partner. Finally, the explanation for all the mystery seems a little bit trite compared to what my imagination was conjuring throughout the film. Trust me, you'll be disappointed.
With good production values and a stellar setup, Double Vision is a study in unfulfilled potential. It wasn't badly done, but fans of Ju-On and Ringu should steer clear.
-Andrea, aka Merribelle
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10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
One of the scariest thrillers I've seen this year, December 2, 2003
This review is from: Double Vision (DVD)
Produced and Directed by Chen Kuo Fu & scripted by Kuo Fu with Su Zhao Bin, DOUBLE VISION has to be one of the best serial killer movies since SE7EN. In Hong Kong the local police are baffled by a bizzare series of murders including: a woman who's been burnt to death, but there are no signs of fire damage in her home; a priest who is disembowelled & a businessman who's literally frozen to death at his desk. The only link between these murders police are able to find is the discovery of mold in nasal cavities and/or brains of the victims. In addition to this a Taoist talisman has been printed on the body of Victim #3 in blood. The Taiwanese cop (played by Tony Leung) assigned the case is still recovering from a personal trauma of his own: two years previously his daughter was taken hostage by his deranged brother who then commits suicide. His daughter survived but has been mute for the past two years & incarcerated in an institution- all of which adds extra stress to what is to become the most demanding case of his career. He is teamed with Kevin Richter (David Morse), a retired FBI Agent now teaching at Quantico; who is called in from Virginia to assist the Taiwanese police with their case. DOUBLE VISION is an intelligent & gruesome chiller which tends to drag occasionally, but generally this is a must-see and ought to send a message to Hollywood on how to make a REAL thriller: something that hasn't come from them since THE SIXTH SENSE. Full of twists & scares, directed with panache & with three dimensional characters, DOUBLE VISION is one of the scariest movies I've seen this year. Sadly not many people I've talked to seem to know about it- which annoys me a bit. There's loads of neat lesser known movies out there, but some people are unwilling to watch anything that isn't mainstream, or that only feature overrated "stars" like Ben Affleck or Adam Sandler (I admit I'm guilty of watching their movies, but that means I have an excuse to make fun of them online). Make it your New Year's resolution to expand your movie viewing horizons a bit. If you see this in your local video store, rent it or haggle your relatives into buying the DVD for you for Xmas (That way you won't have to suffer through the millionth repeat screening of THE SOUND OF MUCUS or MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET). DOUBLE VISION gets my seal of approval, & warrants a placing on my list of the best movies I've seen this year. Check it out.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Quite good, actually..., November 11, 2004
This review is from: Double Vision (DVD)
First off, it's obvious that David Morse was just brought in to broaden Double Vision's international appeal but his presence doesn't take away from the intensity and mystery of the film. In truth, the involvement of the FBI is kind of irrelevant (you'll get a feeling it's just added upon).
The real star here is Tony Leung (the other one, not the Infernal Affairs/Hero Tony Leung). His portrayal of a troubled Foreign Services officer is compelling, and his tortured performance really drives the movie.
It's basically X-Files, mixed with an Eastern-style Seven and a temple massacre that predated Kill Bill, Double Vision is an enjoyable thriller with moody cinematography and excellent production values.
The deliberate pacing is perfect for this type of genre. It builds up the creepiness factor, while fully realizing the conflicts of Tony Leung's character.
Although the end is not as tight as the first 3/4s of the movie, Double Vision is a thriller worthy of purchase.
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