Dead Talents Society

It's been awhile since I watched such a fun horror comedy movie.

The movie is so good and funny. It reminded me of the old school hong kong horror movies.

The premise is interesting, the acting is good, and it is shot beautifully too. The cinematography, lighting, editing, all made it enjoyable.

I enjoyed all of the characters too. None of the characters are annoying or made useless. They all served their importance and part of the family.

I like the idea of the urban legend and how ghosts can still touch objects and need to ride a bus (lmao) to get into places.

Overall, such a fun movie and definitely worth a rewatch.

In the whimsical realm of the afterlife depicted in "Dead Talents Society," deceased individuals must prove their worthiness of becoming bona fide ghosts by mastering the art of scaring the living. Our protagonist, a timid and recently departed young woman, navigates this peculiar underworld, initially struggling to find her footing in the competitive ghost scene.

Through unexpected friendships with fellow misfit haunters, she discovers the power of camaraderie and unconventional talent. Guided by a charismatic ghost agent and an aging diva with a penchant for the dramatic, our protagonist learns to embrace her unique abilities, transforming from a mere spectator to a formidable performer in the afterlife.

As the stakes rise in a series of ghostly auditions and competitions, the film explores themes of self-discovery, the importance of embracing one's individuality, and the enduring power of friendship. With a healthy dose of humor and heartwarming moments, "Dead Talents Society" offers a refreshing perspective on the afterlife, where even in death, the pursuit of talent and recognition remains a driving force.

This film is a delightful blend of fresh and abundant humor that keeps the audience thoroughly entertained from start to finish. The premise is both unique and intriguing: a ghost who desperately wants to avoid fading away into nothingness so that he can continue watching over his family, staying connected to their lives even after death. To achieve this, the ghost must master the art of scaring people, making his presence known to the living in order to maintain his existence in the human world. The irony, however, is that in trying to become a ghost who doesn't disappear, the ghost ends up working harder and living more rigorously than he ever did when he was alive, just to remain in this world.

What makes this film truly special is how it intertwines its comedic elements with deeply thought-provoking themes. While on the surface it may seem like a lighthearted comedy about a ghost trying to scare people, it actually explores profound ideas about life, death, and the lengths we go to in order to stay connected with those we love. The ghost's journey is both humorous and poignant, as he learns various scare tactics and practices them tirelessly, all for the sake of remaining close to his family.

The relationships between the characters are beautifully portrayed, with a strong emphasis on mutual support and the bonds that tie them together, even across the boundary between life and death. These moments of connection bring a warm smile to your face, adding depth to the story and making the characters even more endearing.

This film is truly a rare gem-a perfect balance of humor, heart, and deep reflection. It's a movie that will make you laugh out loud, but also leave you with a sense of profound emotion, as it touches on universal themes of love, loss, and the desire to stay close to those we care about. I highly recommend seeing this film in theaters, as it offers an experience that will make you both laugh and cry, leaving a lasting impact on your heart and mind.

No pun intended - the movie is really funny. If you believe that there might be something after we die ... well the movie might be a ray of sunshine ... of sorts! Because of course it is not all roses and fun stuff. Actually it looks like even after death one has to prove oneself to say the least ... while it seems like fun stuff to do, I am not sure how many would want to be working so long after they are gone.

Many funny ideas, but also as crazy and out there as it is: predictable! If you have a weird mind perhaps, but still, I was able to guess where this was going to go. That said, it still is a lot of fun to watch. Acting is good all things considered - which includes a lot of silliness.

A recently deceased, shy, and reclusive girl discovers that even in the afterlife it is necessary to be popular, influential, and talented. Since she lacked such attributes while living, it is like a second death sentence to try to prove herself again. Fortunately, there are other misfit ghosts who sympathize with the girl and are willing to help. The girl needs a license to scare people and her new friends vow to get her one. But there is competition. A gang of rising stars in the underworld challenges the girl. Shock and mayhem ensue as the ghost gangs battle to see who is the scariest.

This thoughtful and insightful film surprised me with depth, warmth, and genuine humor that I did not expect from this midnight madness genre. There is sympathy for a gentle, kind, and good girl who just wishes to be seen and known.

The director and leading actors were present for this world premiere screening at the Toronto International Film Festival. Hsu's own father encouraged him to be well known, as the main character in the film struggles to accomplish. The film is based on actual urban legends from Taiwan. While the rapid-fire Mandarin is difficult to keep up with at times, it is still preferable to listening to a dubbed version.