The story of Mae Nak, a female spirit seeking revenge for the death of her husband, is a traditional Thai tale that receives generally effective if rather deliberate treatment here. A young couple rent an old house in Bangkok haunted by the titular ghost, who initially protects the newlyweds from thieves, but eventually starts tormenting the husband, who winds up in a coma after being hit by a truck. His bride hopes to revive him through the aid of a spiritualist trying to uncover the mystery of the ghost, as well as some Buddhist monks who perform an exorcism, but the power of Mae Nak proves too strong, and in the end the young wife herself is endangered. Director Mark Duffield's Ghost of Mae Nak is more notable for its moody visuals than for shock effects, although there is one major gore moment when a secondary character is literally split in two in a fashion that recalls the famous decapitation scene from The Omen. A strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD extras include an hour-long “making of” featurette (the menu also indicates the presence of a commentary track by director Mark Duffield, but I was unable to call it up). Bottom line: a solid extras package for a decent horror flick.] (F. Swietek)
Ghost of Mae Nak
Tartan, 103 min., in Thai w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $22.99, Oct. 10 Volume 22, Issue 1
Ghost of Mae Nak
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