A Place Called Silence

Just came back from the cinema where I watched the remake of Boon-lip (Sam) Quah's "A Place Called Silence" from 2022... I couldn't help but wonder why a remake of the same movie was made just two years later by the same director!

The 7:50 P. M. session only had 20 people, so I was able to choose the best seats for an optimal viewing experience. The cinematography was impressive, with vibrant colors throughout, typical of many Chinese films nowadays. The screenplay was overly complex and lacked elegance, making it quite messy in some parts. However, the performances by Chuan-jun Wang, Janine Chun-Ning Chang, and Francis Ng were very good, and the editing was flawless, leaving me with an overall positive impression.

This crime thriller remake had a successful $50 million theatrical debut in mainland China, likely due to the appeal of the new cast. Despite being entertaining and filled with gore and slashing, the audience began to dwindle after couple of weeks as they switched to the latest comedies released in Chinese cinemas. While well-made, there was nothing particularly new about it.

A Place Called Silence is a thriller masterpiece that managed to amaze me from start to finish. With a suspenseful plot and unexpected twists around every corner, this film really tests our ability to guess the plot.

At first, this film seemed like a fairly ordinary thriller. However, as time went on, the story began to become more complicated and full of puzzles. Every time I thought I knew who the real culprit was, a new plot twist appeared that brought me back to square one.

The technique of delivering the plot twist in this film is very slick. The director managed to trick the audience by giving false clues and keeping important information secret until the last second. The acting of the players also really supported it, making it even more difficult for us to guess who was actually guilty.

If you like films with complex and unexpected plot twists, A Place Called Silence is the right choice. This film is guaranteed to keep you thinking and wondering until the end. 10/10.

Which actually makes it appear way louder than it is ... well it is likely that that will be the case - so no pun intended. The movie may have an issue with some - especially when it comes to the psychologically brutal scenes - bullying is not fun at all. And seeing that happen to someone, may make you feel a lot of anger and other negative (understandable) emotions.

So it will be tough to find a person to root for ... and even when you find one, you may find yourself changing opinion ... we all have done stuff we may not be too happy about. Fret not though ... I think there is at least one character you will find morally good ... if that is what you are looking for.

Of course just because you have (at least) one here, doesn't mean they will end up on top ... this has quite a lot of twists and turns ... and goes back and forth timeline wise ... but it works like a charm. ... if you let it that is! Suspend your disbelief and just watch this for the crime thriller that it is ... really well done, flaws and all included.

I initially expected a straightforward tale of bullies getting their comeuppance, and while the movie certainly delivered on that front (for someone who despises bullies, it's suffice to say I took immense pleasure in that), I was pleasantly surprised by how the narrative unfolded into several paths, that too in such a meticulous manner.

At first glance, you might think the story is overly ambitious, introducing a multitude of characters in an attempt to create a complex web of plotlines, to overwhelm the viewers, However, as you delve deeper into the narrative, you will slowly come to appreciate all the thoughtful connections being made, culminating in a climax that masterfully ties every separate thread together.

Now, I won't divulge any specifics, as I want to keep the essence of the story a mystery, but I must commend how the writing challenges the notion of 'morality' and highlights the inherent fragility of the concept.

P. S. I absolutely cherished the ending, the best possible way to draw a fitting conclusion.

Sam Quah's A Place Called Silence is a gripping crime mystery that dives headfirst into the impact of bullying within a seemingly safe school environment. With a tightly paced storyline and well-crafted suspense, the film keeps audiences engaged throughout, though it leaves some thematic questions unanswered.

The film begins with Chen Yutong, a special education student with a speech problem, being bullied by four classmates. Soon after, those bullies are mysteriously killed. The story takes a twist when Yutong goes missing, and her mother, Li Han, who works at the school, starts searching for her while the police investigates the murder.

Quah's direction is steady and deliberate, and the film's pacing is notably effective, pulling viewers into the tense environment of the school and keeping them there with little room for distraction. Visually, A Place Called Silence shines and the background score complements the visuals, adding a layer of unease that underscores each scene. Ning Chang delivers a powerful performance as Li Han, capturing the emotional strength and vulnerability of a mother driven by love and desperation.

Though the film effectively highlights the horror of bullying and keeps viewers engaged, it leaves a sense of dissatisfaction in its resolution. By presenting the murders of the bullies as the sole form of justice, the story falls short of fully addressing the complex issue of bullying. This narrative choice leaves a moral ambiguity, suggesting retribution without exploring any deeper solutions to cruelty. As a result, while the film is compelling and suspenseful, it may feel lacking for viewers looking for a more nuanced take on the consequences of bullying and accountability.

It's a solid watch for fans of crime thrillers, though it leaves viewers to ponder the moral implications of revenge, adding a layer of ambiguity that some may find haunting and thought-provoking.