Hex

I really thought that after watching some other horror films produced by the Shaw Brothers, or their contemporaries, I knew what I was getting into when I sat to watch this. I was very wrong. It bears some definite similarities, particularly with an emphasis at a select moment on the conduction of lengthy rituals. Yet while this shares common flavors with its kin, it's interesting to me how this title is unexpectedly conventional in the story it tells, furthermore borrowing narrative elements from other classics. Not just that, but it's structured into distinct parts. The entire first third heavily emphasizes how monstrous and abusive Chun Yu is, an abhorrent villain. In the remainder of the first half the tale very specifically rushes through the beats of a certain French classic directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot, albeit with more significant effects. Entering the back end the story claims increasing odd goings-on, visions, violence, and madness - culminating in a climax that would be disappointing if one weren't already familiar with some of the Shaws' other genre flicks (and if it weren't so captivating in its own right), and an ending that fully illuminates the plot. I'm not sure that the end result is completely satisfying, but it's reliably well done and entertaining, and kind of fascinating, and 'Hex' earns a solid recommendation for just about anyone.

All the hallmarks we anticipate of the legendary studio are definitely here, just perhaps in different proportions or different forms. The art direction is utterly outstanding; the props, weapons, and especially the sets are gorgeous, even as the tale is limited almost entirely to a single home. Those stunts that are employed are splendid, though notably less proliferate than in the kung fu flicks the Shaw Brothers are best known for - and speaking of, the choreography to which we're treated is rather spellbinding, though in this case it's not of the fighting variety. The practical effects are truly delight, of course including blood and gore, yet I admit I was caught off guard insofar as I assumed (based on prior experience with, say, 'Human lanterns,' and 'The boxer's omen') there would be more. And while as usual the acting tends to be among the least important facets in genre fare, everyone involved here is nonetheless terrific, as we can also safely presume of Shaw. Naturally this applies most to those actors who are most prominent, and with that in mind, the seething viciousness Jung Wang embraces as Chun Yu is startling. Szu-Chia Chen illustrates admirable range and poise as Yi Wah, informing that she is well suited for most any type of role. And still they are both outshone somewhat by Ni Tien, given the most to do by far and showing she has the skills to manage it, and never more true than during the surprising climax, where she absolutely impresses with her wholehearted commitment.

All that's to say nothing of Chih-Hung Kuei's superb direction, ably bringing the saga to life, and Hsin-Yeh Li's shrewd cinematography that captures every detail for us. 'Hex' really is just as well made as one would hope of the Shaw Brothers, and the production values here are as consistent as ever. That just leaves the story whipped up between Chih-Hung and co-writer Chin-Hua Tan, which again is the most atypical aspect of all in this case. This is a picture that wears its storytelling influences on its sleeve, wholly unabashed about it. There's nothing wrong with that whatsoever, least of all as the approach here gives these influences its own spin, but it's noteworthy and curious. Regardless, setting that aside, the plot is smart and compelling, with excellent, rich scene writing to flesh out each beat and provide fuel for the (comparatively light) horror. I supposed from the outset I would enjoy this, and I most certainly do, and I'm just taken aback (in a good way) by those manners in which the feature takes a different path. All told this may not appeal to all, and I don't know if I'd say it was everything it could have been. One way or another, however, I'm very pleased with how fun and engrossing this is, and I'm happy to recommend it for just about anyone. It may not absolutely demand viewership, but if you have the chance to watch 'Hex,' this is another classic Shaw Brothers horror movie that's well worth checking out!

'Hex', one of the more mesmerising entries in Hong Kong's wave of early 80s supernatural cinema, is a film that thrives on mood with incense thick atmosphere and a genuinely unsettling sense of cultural mystique. It begins as a classic Chinese ghost tale, complete with ritual, familial tension, and whispered suspicions, but gradually morphs into something more ambiguous, more psychological, and, depending on your tastes, more daring or more frustrating.

Much of the film's effectiveness comes from its commitment to serious, almost theatrical horror, delivered through strong performances and carefully controlled pacing. Those early scenes of spiritual unease feel authentic to the traditions the film draws from, and the direction leans heavily on colour, shadow, and rhythm in a way that recalls the visual elegance of Shaw Brothers productions from the same era. It's a film that wants to be felt as much as understood.

The ending (no spoilers here) is where audiences tend to divide, including my girlfriend and I. Some prefer a clean supernatural conclusion like my partner, while others appreciate the film's pivot into a more rational (or at least less mystical) explanation. I found the shift intriguing; it reframes earlier scenes in a way that rewards attention, even if the logic isn't airtight. But I understand the alternative preference: the film builds such strong folkloric energy that stepping away from the supernatural can feel slightly at odds with the tone it created.

The nude dancing sequence near the finale is perhaps the film's most perplexing flourish. It's shot with the same elegance as the rest of the film, yet stylistically it sticks out, a sudden dip into exploitation aesthetics reminiscent of chaotic, sensationalist touches seen in other Asian horror films of the period. It's not poorly executed, but it does feel drawn-out, and its placement somewhat blunts the solemnity the film had been cultivating. One could argue it represents a moment of symbolic abandon before the final revelation, but even so, its length and tone shift make it hard to justify fully.

Despite these digressions, 'Hex' remains a well-crafted, distinctive foreign horror film, one that blends cultural texture, suspense, and melodrama into something memorable. It isn't flawless, but its strong visual identity and atmospheric storytelling make it stand out. Even with the ending's polarising nature, the experience feels cohesive, committed, and intriguing.

Beautifully filmed period horror that starts off great but then some misplaced humor and bad practical effects conspire to almost completely destroy the mood. A few different plot twists, perhaps one too many, are added in an attempt to keep it all interesting and it mostly works.

That final plot twist, though...it left me confused initially, enough so that I wasn't sure I even wanted to figure out if or how it fit into the plot. After I ejected the disc it was still bugging me and I put it back in and did a quick review of the final 30 minutes. Glad I did; everything clicked into place.

There are those visually impressive scenes, both beautiful and creepy. Plus a naked exorcism dance/writhing scene that is so freakishly weird it has to be seen to be believed. What immediately follows that was pretty impressive as well.

Uneven film that, when all was said and done, I found to be worth the watch despite its flaws.

I usually watch Shaw Bros horror movie just to be entertain by the goofy special effect and the gross out cause these kind of movie never scare me at all so watch this movie Hex(1980)i'm not expecting anything new from it but the result is very refreshing.The plot is as old as ever,there still some slapstick humor when there nothing happened but the thing make it stand out the most is the movie twist.There some genuinely good jump scares and suspense in this movie.The makeup effect still cheesy as ever and a very memorable dance scene near the end make this movie a must watch for old fashioned horror movie fan

Greetings And Salutations, and welcome to my review of Hex. Before we get into it, here are my ratings:

Story - 1.50 Direction - 1.25 Pace - 1.25 Acting - 1.25 Enjoyment - 1.25

TOTAL - 6.50

I love a good ghost story, and Hex is one of the best. Though I have to say it's due to the twists in the tale, of which there are a few. You also get a history lesson on Chinese arranged marriages. It would seem that once you're wed, you're wed until you're dead, which is fatally unfortunate for our married couple. The writers do an expert job of unwinding an ever-increasingly complex story and keeping the clarifications simple for the viewers.

The director uses the old buildings and tight alleyways to perfection. His lighting is subtle and gives the township an eerie feel. The pond where you see the two local fishermen is ultra-creepy, even in the daytime, as there's a shallow fog that constantly hangs above the algae-covered water. You wouldn't get me anywhere near that place. And, I definitely wouldn't eat any of the fish caught there. The thing is, I don't understand the comedy segments. There are two. One is when Master Yeung orders Mistress Chan's furniture burned. The other is when the priest starts to find body parts, and Master Yeung has trouble attacking him with a cleaver. Up to these points, the film has been in a more serious vein. There have also been a couple of darker moments; when Yeung beats his wife Chan and when he tries to rape the servant. So why the comedy? Sadly it doesn't quite work due to the scenes not being too humorous and that they don't fit with the rest of the film. It would have been wiser to have changed them from funny to scary.

As for the performances, these are excellent. There are no small parts in this movie. Everybody gives their best, and it shows.

In hindsight, I could probably call this a Chinese Giallo for all the plot twists it holds. In fact, if you do enjoy the Giallo sub-genre then you should check out Hex. I think you would savour it as much as I did. Hex is worthy of your time, as long as you watch it with the lights off for the full effect.

Feel free to check my Absolute Horror and Killer Thriller Chillers lists to see where Hex ranks in my charts.

Take Care & Stay Well.