“Face” another film released by Tartan Films Asian Extreme line, is right out of South Korea. The film is about a serial killer who is using acid to burn away the flesh of his victims, leaving bones as the only evidence police have. With no leads or clues the police turn to Hyun-min a former forensic sculptor to help restructure the victims faces from the victims skulls. However when Hyun-min begins to work to help identify these poor souls, his daughter begins to experience odd and disturbing visions. Hyun-min then discovers that their is a conspiracy behind the truth to these victims and their deaths that threatens everyone involved. Hyn-min must solve the case to save his daughters life, and solve the great mystery of these murders.
As with most films out of South Korea as of late, “Face” also has a complexed story line. I felt like I was watching an episode of “CSI” combined with a ghost story; a ghost story that many will compare to “The Grudge”. I mean there are a lot of similarities to “The Grudge”. But in terms of editing and production value the film looks good, some nice visuals a few great shots here and there. There are a few times in the the film where it does seem slow, but as most of us know this is typical with most Asian films.
In terms of acting, I thought that the acting was pretty dam good, at least just as good as everyone on those “CSI” shows, except the actors are all speaking in Korean. I found Shin-Hyun Jan to be a great actor, and really loved his performance in this film. The casting director did a good job when picking each part for the film.
In terms of effects, The CGI was very “Grudge” like. I mean it might of well just have been the same ghost. Lets put it this way, if this film was produced in Japan, it could of been another “Grudge” sequel, just with a different plot and storyline, I mean that’s how similar the effects and not to mention the ghost looked.
Overall, not a bad little Asian flick, I totally think fans of films like “The Grudge” (Japan Version) and films like “Saw” and “Seven”, will enjoy it, and if you like the television show “CSI” I believe you’ll respect the forensics aspect this film brings to the screen. Well worth any fan of Asian horror adding to their DVD collection.
-Horror Bob
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- Interview with Andrew J. Rausch - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Rick Popko and Dan West - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Director Stevan Mena (Malevolence) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Screenwriter Jeffery Reddick (Day of the Dead 2007) - January 22, 2015
- Teleconference interview with Mick Garris (Masters of Horror) - January 22, 2015
- A Day at the Morgue with Corri English (Unrest) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Writer/Director Nacho Cerda (The Abandoned, Aftermath) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Actress Thora Birch (Dark Corners, The Hole, American Beauty) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Actor Jason Behr, Plus Skinwalkers Press Coverage - January 22, 2015
