MOVIE REVIEW: THE MIDNIGHT AFTER (HONG KONG) 那夜凌晨, 我坐上了旺角開往大埔的紅VAN (2014)
“THE MIDNIGHT AFTER” MOVIE REVIEW
Film director FRUIT CHAN.
He is known for his artsy movies, though there are not that many to crow about. You can always google for a list.
His films never fail to portray a doleful surrealistic difference, boldly treading on brazen subjects, yet everything will eventually come together to hit the right notes.
For a decade this director-cum- producer is always on the prowl waiting to pounce on the right cinematic content. The next one can be the eventual winner, right?
And he accomplished his latest creative mojo with this new offering called “THE MIDNIGHT AFTER”.
It is his first notable Chinese-language feature dwelling on the horrific subject of both of horror and the macabre.
Along with a sardonic streak of dark comedy as some scenes can make your skin crawl.
FRUIT CHAN has created a creepy claustophobic thriller with “MIDNIGHT”.
His last notable piece was the deliciously haunting “Dumplings” in 2004 which garnered impressive reviews.
The theme of “THE MIDNIGHT AFTER” is equally disturbing.
You witness Hong Kong being stripped of the notorious traffic jams and thronging crowds.
This is a post-apocalyptic satire that questions your sanity.
FRUIT CHAN’s taken his movie idea from a popular web series turned best seller by a Hong Kong novelist called PIZZA.
It is called “My Boarding the Red Mini Bus from Mongkok to Taipo” (translated) and it reads a mouthful.
Here are the principal characters:
The fat sweaty minibus driver who a compulsive gambler and is called Suet (Lam Suet).
There’s a long haired air-head called You Chi Chi (Wong You-Nam) forever looking woeful because his girl friend cancels a date.
Simon Yam plays a nasty looking debt collector Wong Man-Fat.
He is actually a coward by nature so don’t be fooled. Appearances can be deceptive.
Yuki with the squeamish girl look is played by Janice Man.
Then there is big Sister Ying ( Kara Hui) who is someone you would want to slap for her occasional bouts of sarcasm.
She is an opportunistic insurance saleswoman by profession.
We have additionally, a doomed married couple Bobby and Pat (Lee Sheung-Ching and Vincci Cheuk).
Also a bespectacled IT specialist Shun (Chui Tien-You).
There are other principal players making a total of 17 passengers on the minibus.
As soon as the mini bus passes through Lion Rock Tunnel, all the passengers realize that things are not as normal as they seem.
The streets are devoid of pedestrians, phone don’t work and radio stations are seemingly closed. Suddenly an ominous masked figure lurks in the shadows.
They all go their separate ways but when everyone simultaneously receive a spooky call in the middle of the night, the group decides to congregate at a local restaurant in the morning whereupon more inexplicable happenings start erupting.
“THE MIDNIGHT AFTER” is harrowing, bloody, sometimes funny but it will make you shudder.
You can almost feel the characters telling themselves it is just a game.
Whatever the case, just hang on because you are in for a screamy, bumpy ride.
Rating: 4 out of 5
LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR: GSC MOVIES
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