The Eye 2 (Gin gwai 2) (2004)

Directed by: The Pang Brothers.Starring: Qi Shu, Eugenia Yuan, Jesdaporn Pholdee.It's a film that took me a long time to really respect and like, once I had seen how amazingly scary 'The Eye' was, I was expecting something in the same tone with 'The Eye 2', but that isn't the case.But I decided to watch it again and although I still have some problems with the film, I saw the film for what it is. The story follows a depressed woman who has just broken up with her boyfriend and attempts to commit suicide, but she leaves a note so that she can be revived so that she can start fresh. On the verge of death she starts to see ghosts and once she is rushed to hospital and has her stomach pumped (overdose), she realizes that she is pregnant and this starts her off seeing ghosts everywhere she turns....but why around pregnant women? It focuses a lot more on narrative rather than chills, the story is easily compelling to me as it is something that I believe in and something that thoroughly interests me. The Pang Brothers don't seem to quite grasp the concept in the first part of the film but thankfully pick up before it is too late and they focus on the emotion and the characters. In the way of what they offered in 'The Eye', the tension isn't always there, nor is it as chilling, but they do offer some amazing imagery that relates to the story and some small shocking moments. Shu Qi is certainly no Angelica Lee, but she proves herself well and provides a great performance of considerable range.I love the fact that the film aims for something different and goes in that direction rather then repeating itself (which is something where Hollywood sequels fail) and I'm glad it focused on the narrative and had an amazing story to back it up with intriguing ideas....but I guess I had hoped for what the Pang Brothers had done with there first film. Still a movie many will miss, but it should be seen....just don't expect something like the first film.