I really thought that after watching some other horror films produced by the Shaw Brothers, or their contemporaries, I knew what I was getting into when I sat to watch this. I was very wrong. It bears some definite similarities, particularly with an emphasis at a select moment on the conduction of lengthy rituals. Yet while this shares common flavors with its kin, it's interesting to me how this title is unexpectedly conventional in the story it tells, furthermore borrowing narrative elements from other classics. Not just that, but it's structured into distinct parts. The entire first third heavily emphasizes how monstrous and abusive Chun Yu is, an abhorrent villain. In the remainder of the first half the tale very specifically rushes through the beats of a certain French classic directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot, albeit with more significant effects. Entering the back end the story claims increasing odd goings-on, visions, violence, and madness - culminating in a climax that would be disappointing if one weren't already familiar with some of the Shaws' other genre flicks (and if it weren't so captivating in its own right), and an ending that fully illuminates the plot. I'm not sure that the end result is completely satisfying, but it's reliably well done and entertaining, and kind of fascinating, and 'Hex' earns a solid recommendation for just about anyone.
All the hallmarks we anticipate of the legendary studio are definitely here, just perhaps in different proportions or different forms. The art direction is utterly outstanding; the props, weapons, and especially the sets are gorgeous, even as the tale is limited almost entirely to a single home. Those stunts that are employed are splendid, though notably less proliferate than in the kung fu flicks the Shaw Brothers are best known for - and speaking of, the choreography to which we're treated is rather spellbinding, though in this case it's not of the fighting variety. The practical effects are truly delight, of course including blood and gore, yet I admit I was caught off guard insofar as I assumed (based on prior experience with, say, 'Human lanterns,' and 'The boxer's omen') there would be more. And while as usual the acting tends to be among the least important facets in genre fare, everyone involved here is nonetheless terrific, as we can also safely presume of Shaw. Naturally this applies most to those actors who are most prominent, and with that in mind, the seething viciousness Jung Wang embraces as Chun Yu is startling. Szu-Chia Chen illustrates admirable range and poise as Yi Wah, informing that she is well suited for most any type of role. And still they are both outshone somewhat by Ni Tien, given the most to do by far and showing she has the skills to manage it, and never more true than during the surprising climax, where she absolutely impresses with her wholehearted commitment.
All that's to say nothing of Chih-Hung Kuei's superb direction, ably bringing the saga to life, and Hsin-Yeh Li's shrewd cinematography that captures every detail for us. 'Hex' really is just as well made as one would hope of the Shaw Brothers, and the production values here are as consistent as ever. That just leaves the story whipped up between Chih-Hung and co-writer Chin-Hua Tan, which again is the most atypical aspect of all in this case. This is a picture that wears its storytelling influences on its sleeve, wholly unabashed about it. There's nothing wrong with that whatsoever, least of all as the approach here gives these influences its own spin, but it's noteworthy and curious. Regardless, setting that aside, the plot is smart and compelling, with excellent, rich scene writing to flesh out each beat and provide fuel for the (comparatively light) horror. I supposed from the outset I would enjoy this, and I most certainly do, and I'm just taken aback (in a good way) by those manners in which the feature takes a different path. All told this may not appeal to all, and I don't know if I'd say it was everything it could have been. One way or another, however, I'm very pleased with how fun and engrossing this is, and I'm happy to recommend it for just about anyone. It may not absolutely demand viewership, but if you have the chance to watch 'Hex,' this is another classic Shaw Brothers horror movie that's well worth checking out!
