(2004)
2.5
Josh Ralske
The Pang brothers have certainly demonstrated an ability to put startling and beautiful images on the screen. While the plot of the appropriately titled The Eye -- one of their stronger efforts -- might veer off-course in the final act, there's no point in denying the film's strong visuals and eerie mood. Oxide Pang offers further evidence of his talent with Ab-normal Beauty. Whatever the film's flaws, the images pop off the screen, which is apt for a film that's thematically centered on a visual medium. Lead actresses Race and Rosanne Wong (Jin and Jas, respectively) don't generate much erotic tension, which would seem necessary to put across the idea that their characters have a lesbian relationship, even if it's unconsummated (perhaps casting sisters in the roles was not the best idea). Of course, the notion that Jin's chaste lesbianism is rooted in her distrust of men could explain that lack of eroticism, but it's also a cop-out, and these characters are not well drawn enough to hold our interest through the extended setup. The images help, but the inappropriately intrusive score hinders our appreciation. Anson Leung brings a bit of soulfulness to his role as Jin's stalker, Anson, which threatens to throw the film off balance. He's not supposed to be the character that draws our empathy. Things momentarily seem like they're about to pick up late in the film, when Jin discovers a disturbing video on her doorstep. The audience is implicated as she watches the horrific scene, clutching the remote but unable to turn away or turn the image off. It's a disturbing and witty moment, hinting at something deeper, but the film soon devolves again into something closer to standard slasher movie fare.
Ab-Normal Beauty on AllMovie
Ab-Normal Beauty (2004)
