The sounds of a witch are eerie and spine-chilling. They evoke a sense of mystery and darkness. One of the most distinct sounds associated with witches is their cackling laughter. It is high-pitched and wicked, often echoing through the night. This laughter sends shivers down one's spine, signaling the presence of a witch and the malevolence they possess. Another haunting sound emitted by witches is their incantations.
This story boasts the strongest concepts, and we are not surprised because it is helmed by the critically acclaimed Chan. There is plenty to think about as the handheld camera shots assault the senses. Everything seems to be in a mess, yet poignant themes such as consumerism, greed, pandemic panic and real estate scams are constantly being explored.
You ll be kept intrigued as the characters share their back stories, face their fears to confront the water ghost, and scramble to get rid of a corpse. Distressed and driven to the edge, she can t tell whether she is suffering a relapse of her depression, or if she is being haunted by a menacing ghost.
Another haunting sound emitted by witches is their incantations. Their words are spoken in a low, chanting tone, filled with power and intent. These incantations are often accompanied by the rustling of spell books and the bubbling of cauldrons, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
TALES FROM THE OCCULT (失衡凶间) (2022)
Genre: Horror/Thriller
Director: Fruit Chan, Fung Chih Chiang, Hoi Ip Sang, Wesley
Cast: Jerry Lamb, Cecilia So, Cherry Chung, Yeung Wai Lun, Monnie Li, Richie Ren, Sofiee Ng, Peter Chan, Paul Che, Baby Bo, Cherry Ngan, Ng Wing Sze, Kelvin Kwan, Van Chan
Runtime: 1 hr 51 mins
Rating: NC16 (Some Mature Content & Violence)
Released By: Golden Village Pictures
Official Website:
Opening Day: 15 September 2022
Synopsis: Fear lives inside everyone’s hearts. Do you think you’re immune? You just haven’t found yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Produced by John Chong and Mathew Tang, Tales from the Occult features three eerie stories about spooky happenings in tight spaces: Dead Mall by Fruit Chan, The Tenement by Fung Chih Chiang and The Chink by Hoi Ip Sang, Wesley. They will take you into a terrifying world in which human nature is driven to extremes by twisted environments. Do you have the guts to go inside?
Movie Review:
Remember a time when we were spoilt (and scared silly) by movies like The Eye (2002), Three…Extremes (2004) and more recently, Rigor Mortis (2013)? Seeing ghosts after a cornea transplant operation, stuffing aborted fetuses in dumplings to achieve eternal youth, and spirits possessing a human’s body after a failed suicide attempt – these are the concepts behind these truly chilling horror flicks.
In this reported first instalment of Hong Kong production company and film distributor Media Asia’s new omnibus series, we are treated to three stories which remind us of the chills derived from the good ol’ Hong Kong horror genre.
The first segment directed by newcomer Weley Hoi tells the story of a pop singer (Cherry Ngan) who experiences scary events in her new apartment. We learn that she came face to face with a rotting corpse when she was a teenager. Are the creepy things she’s experiencing a result of the unsettling episode she went through as a young girl? Elsewhere, her uncle (the ever reliable Lawrence Cheng) is the psychiatrist trying to calm the terrified celebrity down.
Titled “The Chink”, this tale sets the tone for the 111 minute feature film. There is an unsettling atmosphere throughout, and there seems to be a repressed plot development waiting somewhere. You anticipate an outrageous twist, so when the segment ends on a straightforward note, you can’t help but wish there was something else cleverer instead. But on another level, the ending reflects a dread that traumatised individuals have to live with for the rest of their lives.
Fruit Chan, whom many of us are familiar with, is on form with the second segment “Dead Mall”. People are facing the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, where the economy is in the dumps. We are introduced to an online influencer (Jerry Lamb) who hosts the popular “The Gate To Wealth” series. He is in a mall that seems to be thriving with business – until the camera pulls back and we realise the crowd is made up of paid actors. Retail spaces are empty, and business is non existent. Things get interesting when another online influencer and a mysterious figure show up in the mall.
This story boasts the strongest concepts, and we are not surprised because it is helmed by the critically acclaimed Chan. There is plenty to think about as the handheld camera shots assault the senses. Everything seems to be in a mess, yet poignant themes such as consumerism, greed, pandemic panic and real estate scams are constantly being explored.
The last segment directed by Fung Chih Chiang has the most structured story. Five strangers come together after a water ghost appears in the dilapidated building they stay in. Richie Ren and Sofiee Ng headline this tale that scores in entertainment value, with Ren delivering an unexpectedly hilarious performance as a gangster who had seen better days.
"The Tenement" is the easiest tale to follow. You’ll be kept intrigued as the characters share their back stories, face their fears to confront the water ghost, and scramble to get rid of a corpse. The plot thickens and you’ll be pulled into a murder mystery before the episode ends on a disturbing note. We can't wait for the second instalment of the series to hit the big screens.
Movie Rating:
(The spooky tales in this Hong Kong horror omnibus are competently told and provide old school scares)
Review by John Li
Into this death chamber steps Maggie (Michelle Wai Sze-nga), a former teen idol who is desperate to make her acting comeback. Ho happens to catch her in a particularly feisty mood during a late-night meeting and Hui, working with a simple yet effective story, keeps the tension high until the hair-raising end.
Furthermore, the sound of a witch's broomstick zooming through the air is deeply symbolic. It represents their ability to fly and their connection to the supernatural. The whooshing sound of the broomstick adds an element of fear and excitement, as it foreshadows the witch's arrival or departure. In addition to these sounds, the screeching cry of a witch can freeze one's blood. It is a piercing sound that sends a signal of danger, fear, and impending doom. This cry is often associated with witches as they unleash their powers or as a warning to those who dare to cross their path. Overall, the sounds of a witch are an integral part of their mystique and folklore. They add an unsettling layer to their portrayal, intensifying the fear and fascination surrounding these enchanting figures. The sounds of a witch instill a sense of unease and capture the imagination, leaving a lasting impression on those who encounter them..
Reviews for "Witchcraft on Vinyl: Exploring the Role of Music in Witchy Practice"
- John - 2 stars - I did not enjoy "Sounds of a Witch" at all. The storyline was confusing and hard to follow, and the characters lacked depth. The writing style did not captivate me and I found myself skimming through pages just to get to the end. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.
- Emily - 1 star - "Sounds of a Witch" was a complete letdown for me. The plot was predictable and cliché, and the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. The characters were cardboard cutouts with no real development, and I couldn't bring myself to care about any of them. The writing itself was tedious and lacked any sort of artistic flair. I regret wasting my time on this book.
- Sarah - 2 stars - "Sounds of a Witch" had so much potential, but it fell flat in execution. The pacing was sluggish, and the author seemed more focused on describing every little detail rather than advancing the plot. The plot twists were predictable, and I wasn't invested in the outcome at all. The book left me feeling unsatisfied and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging read.