The Great Hypnotist

The Great Hypnotist offers an intriguing mixture of a psychological thriller and a mysterious drama. The movie convinces with a gloomy atmosphere from start to finish. With a length around one hour and a half without the credits, the film has solid pace and is coherent and consistent. The story is also very interesting and comes around with a few minor surprises and one twist that might be predictable for genre experts but that is still greatly executed because the movie offers many clues and details to the viewers. This immersive film is quite intellectual and offers some food for thought and debates long after you have watched it.

The story revolves around a famous psychologist who uses hypnosis to make his patients fight their inner demons. One day, the case of a troublesome woman who believes to see ghosts around her but doesn't understand their purpose is referred to the psychologist. It turns out that this isn't only going to be his most complex but also his most personal case.

There aren't too many negative elements to mention in this very good film. What bothers me a little bit is the fact that the two main characters are hard to symapthise with at first contact. The psychologist is full of himself while the patient acts in a hostile way. Some of these behaviors are explained towards the end and the last third of the film changes the initial perceptions completely. Still, the slightly antipathic characters make an initial approach to the film somewhat difficult. However, your patience will be rewarded by the end of the movie.

In the end, you should watch The Great Hypnotist if you like psychological thrillers or mysterious dramas. This movie stands out with its challenging story that requests the viewers to immerse themselves fully into a highly atmospheric film. Thanks to a gloomy atmosphere, this film is best enjoyed on a lonely night at home.

Characters, dialogs and acts was wonderful. I impressed. Songs were so soft and so nice. You should watch this movie. I guarantee you won't regret. I started to watch and I couldn't stop myself from movie. I want to say a lot of things but nothing can tell you this movie is how much awesome. So I am suggest you. I will watch again and again because I want to see this scenario how great. China's cinemas and movies really can be good. I can admit it to you. When you watch this movie you will thank to actresses, to actors and to all staff. Now I started to interesting China movies. That people can made some good things and we will not know until watch their movies. My vote is 10 and thank you!

This film tells the story of a psychiatrist who uses hypnosis to treat a very difficult case, which is a woman who believes that she can see ghosts.

I heard good things about it, but I really did not expect "The Great Hypnotist"to be this good. To begin with, the topic of hypnosis is quite mysterious, which is a good setting for a thriller. The plot is engaging and suspenseful, especially the very unexpected twist happening in the middle. This twist doesn't feel contrived. Even though in retrospect there are telltale signs of the trust in the being, I just did not expect the twist coming. I'm very impressed by the plot. I very much enjoyed watching "The Great Hypnotist", as it's an unexpectedly good thriller.

I watched this on a recommendation from a friend; would otherwise have never heard about it. But boy, did it really draw me in and keep the engaged the whole way through. It was a small movie with few characters and mostly taking place in one room, but there is a lot going on beneath the surface and each revelation is masterfully crafted. Would definitely recommend to others as well.

This is a psychological thriller that not only entertains but also transports the audience into a narrative trance. With engaging direction and a multi-layered script, the film masterfully plays with the perception of reality and illusion, making the viewer question every detail of the story.

From the very beginning, we are introduced to Dr. Ruining Xu (Xu Zheng), a meticulous and skeptical psychiatrist specializing in clinical hypnosis. His confidence is challenged by Ren Xiaoyan (Karen Mok), a mysterious patient who claims to see ghosts. Their confrontation turns into a fascinating mental game, where each hypnosis session becomes a piece of a complex puzzle.

The film's greatest strength lies in the way its narrative unfolds, hypnotizing the audience with unpredictable twists and cinematography that reinforces the feeling of immersion. The dark color palette and the use of mirrors and reflections contribute to the dreamlike atmosphere, making each scene feel like a subconscious reverie. The subtle yet precise soundtrack intensifies this effect, guiding the viewer through a psychological labyrinth from which it is hard to escape.

The performances of Xu Zheng and Karen Mok are another highlight. Their on-screen duel is filled with tension and emotion, and their chemistry elevates the story to an even more engaging level. As Dr. Xu tries to maintain control of the situation, Ren Xiaoyan's enigmatic presence leads him (and us) into a spiral of doubts and surprising revelations.

Throughout the film, we are compelled to ask: what is real, and what is a construct of the mind? The Great Hypnotist not only answers this question but also makes the viewer feel hypnotized, lost in its layers of mystery. A stylish and intelligent psychological thriller that proves cinema can be a truly immersive experience.