HKAFF: Keeper of Darkness 陀地驅魔人 (2015) – Hong Kong

Reviewed by: Andrew Chan

Director: Nick Cheung
Writers: Nick Cheung (story), Sin Ling Yeung (screenplay)
Stars: Nick Cheung, Amber Kuo, Louis Cheung, Karena Lam, Jacky Cheung, Sisley Choi

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In “Keeper of Darkness”, director / actor Nick Cheung fulfills his potential of becoming a niche horror genre filmmaker. The good news is that there are plenty of positives and it is actually chilling (unlike most Hong Kong horror). What made this film a success is simply down to its charismatic performance of Cheung and his fresh take on the interactions and portrayal of ghosts and afterlife. Inspired by various exorcism films from the West and the East, Cheung smartly interweaves special effects to engage he audience to the proceedings.

Nick Cheung is easily one of Hong Kong’s best actor in the past 5 years and here he excels as a kind hearted ghost hunter with a cool exterior. It is easily to join in the journey through his likeable character and presence. Amber Kuo makes a beautiful ghost that oozes with feelings of innocence and romance. The ending may seem padded and rushed, but by that stage the film is simply setting up for a sequel. Louis Cheung provides the film with some laugh out loud moments, while Sisley Choi shows potential. Special appearances from Karena Lam and Jacky Cheung will excite fans, where the former almost steals the scenes as Nick Cheung’s mother.

All in all, “Keeper of Darkness” succeeds because it never forgets to entertain and engage the audience. The film never stops and we are treated with one chill, one laugh or one lovely moments after another and rinse repeat. It is a formula that works for Hollywood and Cheung learned well from his last outing, showing a much better balance between entertainment and what he wants to portray. “Keeper of Darkness” will not turnover Hong Kong cinema, but provides the fans with a fresh pair of lens and something to chill and entertain about. Bring on the sequel. (Neo, 2015)

Recommended film and endorsed by HK Neo Reviews.