Hungry Ghost Diner

First thing's first: even though the name has "ghost" in it, it's far from being a run-of-the-mill horror flick. I was honestly surprised at how heartwarming the movie ended up being.

Between the Hungry Ghost Festival "celebrations" and the dynamics between Bonnie and her father, the film certainly shows a side of life as a Chinese Malaysian that you don't typically see on the big screen.

Docked a few points because I found myself a bit confused on the plot and the music choice at some points, it definitely left me feeling a little dazed and I feel like I would need to rewatch the movie to "get it".

However, I am still glad I caught this movie in the cinema. For what it's worth, I understood everything even though I don't speak much Chinese dialects, and I enjoyed some of the comedic bits that truly seemed to come out of nowhere. I would love to see more movies like this in the cinema!

I had to bother to create an account to give my review of this terribly produced movie. There were only four of us at the Saturday afternoon seating in the cinema, which says a lot.

The movie was so melodramatic that I literally dozed off at some point. The movie was not scary, not funny and had a really poor storyline. Basically, it just depicted the late family members returning to the house during the 7th month. The open ending seems slated for another season of Hungry Ghost Diner 2 (really gutsy).

I would not have rated even one star but had to in order to review it. I demand my two hours of my life back.

This movie may take awhile to understand the culture especially if you were not brought up with the chinese/hakka culture, or if your family is just not that chinese. Anyhow, no harm in learning more about your culture or other people's culture!

There was humor, a little spooky(of course), and if you've lost and missing a departed relative/loved one, some tears. A great movie to watch with friends and family. It's one of those movies that could potentially start a discussion about culture, maybe a deeper sharing about a passed away loved one, or ghost stories! Which are the best because for the amount of time we spend watching movies if it doesn't build a bond between each other, then we might need to reconsider a new activity with our friends/family!

I'm not a fan of horror movies and I was pleasantly surprised that this movie is NOT one despite the title. Normally I wouldn't have gone but I followed friends and I'm glad I did.

It is a heartwarming movie about complex family ties and traditions, set during the Hungry ghost festival month when the lockdown happens.

I love the quirkiness of the movie, the use of dialect in conversation, the awkward silences between the characters, the potehei puppet show, the contrast between city life and small town traditions and communities. There is so much packed into this movie. Furthermore, the lead character being a woman, following her own dreams resonates with me. The movie challenges our preconceived ideas in so many ways.

I highly recommend watching it.

An underrated gem that reflects what Malaysian cinema does best. This is a slice of life film with heart, not a horror film despite the title and Chinese cultural event it revolves around.

If you're Malaysian Chinese, many of the scenes may evoke familiarity and nostalgia. The smell of burning hell money offerings, the feel of a mom and pop kopitiam (loved the funny posters in the background) and the rojakness of local lexicon - I felt seen hearing Hokkien, Cantonese and Hakka dialogue. The stuffy stiff upper lip Chinese dad-disconnected daughter dynamic was also relatable.

Sincere performances from the leads with some nicely thrown in comic relief. Worth a watch, sapot lokal.