The Death Curse

The Death Curse
The Death Curse
Traditional Chinese	古宅心慌慌
Directed by	Cheang Pou-soi
Written by	Ng Wing Kei; Szeto Kam Yuen; Nicholl Tang Nik Kei
Produced by	Amy Tsui
Starring	Steven Cheung; Charlene Choi; Gillian Chung; Alex Fong Chung-Sun; Kenny Kwan; Raymond Wong Ho-Yin
Cinematography	Peter Ngor Chi Kwan
Edited by	Wong Wing Ming
Music by	Lincoln Lo Kin
Release date	11 June 2003 (Hong Kong);
Running time	86 minutes
Country	Hong Kong
Language	Cantonese

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.

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.^[1]

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."^[2] In the Malay Mail, Lim Chang Moh wrote, "Don't expect great acting and you won't be disappointed. The young stars are nice to look at, even if they appear awkward at times."^[3]

Variety film critic Derek Elley stated, "Hong Kong pop duo Twins teams with its newer male equivalent, Boy'z, for some light fun 'n' thrills in The Death Curse, a Mainland-shot haunted house movie by promising helmer Soi Cheang (Horror Hotline … Big-Head Monster). The jury's still out on whether Cheang can marshal his early low-budget invention to more mainstream fare, but Twins fans and fantasy fests will want to check out this almost traditional, CGI-light item."^[4]

References

^ "古宅心慌慌" [The Death Curse]. 电影评介 (in Chinese) (11). 2003. Archived from the original on 26 June 2022. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
^ Wong, Sharon (11 November 2003). "All tied up in familial love". New Straits Times. ProQuest 271747516. Archived from the original on 26 June 2022. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
^ Moh, Lim Chang (15 November 2003). "Just right for a 'date movie'". Malay Mail. p. 38. ProQuest 326345096.
^ Elley, Derek (17 December 2003). "The Death Curse". Variety. Archived from the original on 26 June 2022. Retrieved 26 June 2022.