The Death Curse
2003 film
The Death Curse (Chinese: 古宅心慌慌) is a 2003 Hong Kong comedy horror film. It was directed by Soi Cheang Pou-Soi and produced by Amy Tsui. Its popularity was due primarily to its cast, which contained several members of Hong Kong bands, including Twins and Boy'z.
Cast
Steven Cheung plays the part of Ben Ting, the youngest of eight
Gillian Chung plays the part of Linda Ting, the sixth sibling of eight
Kenny Kwan plays the part of Jerry Ting, the fifth sibling, who unknowingly used to date his younger half-sister Nancy
Raymond Wong Ho-Yin plays the part of Nick Ting, the fourth sibling. Nick is a gangster
Charlene Choi plays the part of Nancy Ting, the seventh sibling
Alex Fong Chung-Sun plays the part of Lawyer Cheung
Chen Xianda (陳顯達) plays the part of Ding Jihuai, a medical scientist who has spurned his relatives and has numerous failed marriages.
Production
Soi encountered issues trying to appease the mainland Chinese censor board's restrictions regarding horror films. Knowing that the censors would take issue with depictions of ghosts, the production team introduced more comedic elements into the movie, portraying the supernatural encounters as pranks performed by the film's antagonist. Soi was still asked by the board to rewrite the script to make it less scary.
Reception
Sharon Wong of New Straits Times wrote, "You probably wouldn't be scared much, and although certain scenes do contain a chill factor, this quickly dissipates. However, The Death Curse is sufficient entertainment for a dreary afternoon." In the Malay Mail, Lim Chang Moh wrote, "Don't expect great acting and you won't be disappointed.
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