I Am a Ghost

I hadn't even heard about this 2012 movie "I Am a Ghost" from writer and director H.P. Mendoza before now in 2020, when I was given the opportunity to sit down and watch it. All I knew about the movie, prior to watching it, was that it was a horror movie. Which, in itself, is more than enough to get my attention.

First of all I must say that "I Am a Ghost" is a unique movie, for better or worse. And this movie will not find a broader appeal with everyone in the audience, that is for sure.

The movie follows the ghost Emily - played by Anna Ishida - in her daily routines as her spirit lingers, trapped within a house. This was actually quite interesting and a touch of genius from writer H.P. Mendoza, because this is not something that you see often.

With that being said, then I must say that Anna Ishida actually carries the movie quite well, especially when she is essentially the only one performing in the movie. I am not familiar with the acting talent of Anna Ishida, but the movie definitely displays her talent, and I would like to see more of her movies if given the chance.

However, the movie does suffer from it being not interesting enough. Too little happens actually throughout the course of the story. And while showing the same scenes again and again does help to set a mood of repetition, then it sort of grew stale and annoying fairly quickly.

"I Am a Ghost" is actually well-worth sitting down to watch, if you want a ghost movie that differs from the usual blueprint that ghost movies tend to follow. Just take into consideration that this is not a movie with a whole lot of things going on, so you might be bored.

I am rating "I Am a Ghost" five out of ten stars. I watched the entire movie, and was mildly entertained, but this is hardly a movie that I would return to watch a second time.

I'm going to open by saying, none of the positive reviews on this movie are "fluff reviews" they are genuine reviews by people who watched this movie and enjoyed it like I did. Now that that is out of the way, on to discussing the move at hand. I think my biggest enjoyment was getting to watch something original and not formulaic or that has already been done 100 times. Not that I'm against that, when a formula works, it works and you keep using it. It's just hard to find new creative ideas for movies this day in age and this movie has done just that. There is no twist in my opinion, this movie is very open and upfront about what it is. We the viewers are experiencing the "ghosts" side of the story as opposed to the living and "mediums" side which is how almost every other ghost story is told. I'm going to leave it at that because if that doesn't interest you enough to go watch this movie, then you probably wouldn't have liked it anyway. My only complaint really is the opening sequence gets a little mundane and could've been shortened and if time needed to be added to make to for that, we could've delved into the back story of the main character more, because they're are questions that get brought up, but never answered. One big question that is brought up though, but not verbally answered I feel is answered by the movies scenery, props, and the main characters attire. The ending is left a little open but I think if you sit back and take a little time to think about it, you can come to your own solid conclusion of what happened. That being said, I think that's why the director took the ending in that direction. In closing, I felt I need to write a review about this movie due to the not so intelligent people leaving negative reviews about not understanding what this movie is about and making false accusations against the positive reviews left about this movie. Currently, it is available for free, with ads, on vudu. So go watch it

There have been an undeniable amount of ghost pictures in our history. But only a teaspoon of them can make you sit back and question yourself on what might actually happens when we die.

Presented in a very original and artistic screen with some stunning visuals and shots, we follow the story of Emily (Anna Ishida) in what is a long opening act as she goes about her day. Now, this will put most people off but, bare with it, as everything that happens during the entirety of the film is apparent and necessary. 99% of the picture is carried by Anna Ishida. A very small cast is used here and that makes for an excellent ghost film.

One of the key points about 'I am A Ghost',that ANY film enthusiast will feel comforted by is this, 'I am A Ghost' doesn't treat you like a moron. Many films similar to, or just plain complicated will retract back to earlier scenes to tell you, 'Hey, dumb ass, remember this bit? Yeah, this bit means that bit. Okey carry on watching I'll be back to remind you again in 3 minutes'. Everything compiles into a well structured plot that even if you feel lost part way, will eventually be clicking your fingers saying, "Oh Blimey! That's what that was".

Now why didn't I give this a whopping 10/10? In truth, the opening act is long and repetitive, even if it is key, it still feels like a fist- in-cheek 'chop chop hurry up' moment. Next, is some of the effects used are poor and feel a little bit silly for a picture that is so good, but aside that, the plot keeps it strong.

Now, notice how I am not saying an entire amount about this picture? Well the plot that floats about and even on this site explains more than enough. And I quote~ (*If you refuse to read the plot on this site, skip to the next paragraph, if you don't give two-damns, please, continue reading as I detest spoilers more than anything on this floating rock we call Earth!*)~~ 'Emily is a troubled spirit. With the help of Sylvia, a clairvoyant hired to rid the house of spirits, Emily is forced into a 'patient/therapist' relationship, uncovering disturbing mysteries about her past that may help her move on to 'the next place'.~~ End Quote So to say more than that is more than enough and even that itself is far too much information!

Conclusion. This is a smart, gorgeous, underrated must see! This shall be placed high on the shelf along side The Others, Sixth Sense and Martyrs. A single actor throughout most (if not all) the film. Wonderfully directed by H.P Mendoza, showing off his style by not filming what is not needed, then giving us visual chocolate. An incredibly eerie and haunting soundtrack that fits into place like a Soul-mate (Oh I am scandalous!) And most of all, an ambiguous ending.

If you appreciate a movie that pulls you in, all the while requiring you to think; at the same time eliciting strong feelings in you that you do not expect and might rather not feel, then this is a movie for you. Simply presented, economically fashioned, and searingly executed it is soul-freezing in its directness; subtle in the manner of a systemic disease that presents as a seemingly innocent bump while complications reveal themselves only as you begin to pay closer and closer attention. This is sophisticated psychospiritual horror. It had (has?) me wondering if I was (am?) a Ghost. It is not a quickly developing story, but the pace befits the subject and the shifting rhythm carries you along until patience definitely pays off. I would suggest a mild warning for those who have issues of a traumatic nature. This movie may be an unsuspected trigger (that is cocked and ready...and loaded).

I'm a fan of paranormal and ghost movies. I Am a Ghost felt "new", a unique voice standing apart from other films. I had no idea what to expect and I wasn't disappointed. It lingered with me for days. I don't want to give anything away, but the movie provides a slow moody build up before unfolding its mystery. I want to watch it again to catch clues. Initially, you watch the main character Emily go through daily, mundane routines at home, and there is repetitiveness in order to illustrate an important point. Throughout these daytime scenes, you quickly realize that something is awry. There were some truly scary parts. The main character is living in this creepy, out-of-time, old house. Even in daylight, the house manages to feel oppressive and terrifying.