Cui mian da shi (2014) Reviews

• What an unexpectedly good thriller

  Gordon-112015-02-16

  This film tells the story of a psychiatrist who uses hypnosis to treat a very difficult case, which is a woman who believes that she can see ghosts. I heard good things about it, but I really did not expect "The Great Hypnotist"to be this good. To begin with, the topic of hypnosis is quite mysterious, which is a good setting for a thriller. The plot is engaging and suspenseful, especially the very unexpected twist happening in the middle. This twist doesn't feel contrived. Even though in retrospect there are telltale signs of the trust in the being, I just did not expect the twist coming. I'm very impressed by the plot. I very much enjoyed watching "The Great Hypnotist", as it's an unexpectedly good thriller.

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• Stylish and intriguing Mystery. Starts off one way... and then becomes... something else... Rewatchability: High Blu-ray: Excellent A:10 V:9

  lathe-of-heaven2015-05-16

  I really liked the start of this one. You truly couldn't ask for a more striking beginning; the first 10 minutes of the film are amongst the best that I've seen. I'm really quite surprised that more people have not seen this and that as I write this, there are only two other reviews. Perhaps it is not easily available for people to find, I don't know... This is a VERY Psychological Mystery / Thriller. I also REALLY liked some of the sets, like the foyer outside of his office. There is one shot straight down for a moment immediately after the doctor walks out of his office to meet his patient and she is standing in front of a large clock. The composition of the shot is beautiful. Anyway, the visuals employed throughout the film give it a nice look and use imagination. It is not over-stylized though where it would detract from the movie, but since the film deals with the mind and hypnotism, it uses it's visuals well. The direction, writing, and acting are very good. There is DEFINITELY a palpable tension and expectation running through the film as the doctor is trying to use his expertise to help the seemingly reluctant woman. I don't want to say too much more so as not to spoil anything, but I will say that I did enjoy the movie very much and found both the ultimate idea of it and the way they did it quite entertaining. So, as I state in my Summary... You might have one impression in mind when the film starts, but by the end I don't think you will quite be expecting what it becomes. A nice change of pace, and to me anyway, a rather unique story. I would think that if a Chinese film with this premise catches your interest in the first place, I don't see why you wouldn't like it. So, if you do not happen to be Chinese and you don't mind reading sub-titles, and particularly if you really like Psychological Mystery / Thrillers, I think that there is a good chance that you should enjoy this film.

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• Decent but nearly as thrilling you would expect!

  chrichtonsworld2015-05-18

  The Great Hypnotist does not waste time to show us what out main character is about. It's a thoroughly fascinating introduction and it makes you look forward to see more of it. Our main character called Chen Ting who is a famous psychologist is asked to take on a case that is very peculiar. A lot of mystery and intrigue is surrounded by it which for half an hour or so does grab your attention. But then it fades and fades and eventually sizzles out. What was supposed to be a hair raising thrilling viewing experience becomes rather dull. At one point everything is explained in great detail and I could care less. Not that the mystery we are presented to is not interesting or clever. Because it was, very much so. Only the way it was told killed the atmosphere and tension. Questions are raised whether what we see is real or not. This usually is an interesting mechanic since it's quite challenging to give solid explanations for supernatural elements. Plus it is fun to be fooled by a film. Only The Great Hypnotist never leaves too much doubt about what is happening. Not that you can predict everything right from the start. But enough to kill the enjoyment. It does not help that we don't learn a lot about Chen Ting. For which there is a good reason plot wise. At the same time though it makes it hard to connect to him emotionally. Which seems to be extremely crucial at the end. The Great Hypnotist had all the ingredients to go crazy and over the top and tell a compelling story. Since it had a plot angle that could do so in a very acceptable way. However I feel they dropped the ball on that. They did not even scratch the surface of the possibilities. And that is a real shame. When I started watching I was completely psyched (no pun intended) but gradually lost interest. The Great Hypnotist plays it too safe and borrows too much from other similar thrillers so that it's not that hard to predict which direction it is going. Now that does mean that if you have not seen enough this could prove to be offer more than you bargained for. Overall it's not a complete waste of time. Visually the film is very stylish. And that does help a lot. But I do think that fans of the genre will be very disappointed especially after the strong opening. As a drama this fails completely since there is not much time given to connect to any of the characters. Whatever is there is because of good actors like Karen Mok. She is able to give her character a lot of depth with minimal means. Only it's not enough to keep you drawn to the story. On top of all the tension and suspense that was very much needed is gone and with such an interesting premise is that is difficult to accept.

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• I can say that was excellent movie!

  aishakajmer2015-05-01

  Characters, dialogs and acts was wonderful. I impressed. Songs were so soft and so nice. You should watch this movie. I guarantee you won't regret. I started to watch and I couldn't stop myself from movie. I want to say a lot of things but nothing can tell you this movie is how much awesome. So I am suggest you. I will watch again and again because I want to see this scenario how great. China's cinemas and movies really can be good. I can admit it to you. When you watch this movie you will thank to actresses, to actors and to all staff. Now I started to interesting China movies. That people can made some good things and we will not know until watch their movies. My vote is 10 and thank you!

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• Still Thinking About This One

  foutainoflife2018-09-13

  While this is a well made, well acted and well scripted film, I am still on the fence about a few things. I really had much higher expectations about this film leaning towards a ghost experience and while that is a theme in the movie, I was a bit disappointed about that specific aspect. It has a moody feel to it from the start. The sets are nice and some of the camera work and special effects were well done. I particularly enjoyed the last awakening scene. It was also a little slow for my taste but I still liked the overall story. It was worth the watch, for sure. Check it out.

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