Dream Home (2010)

I need a few seconds to catch my breath after this one. It's probably the most effective slasher i've seen in a long time. It's a stylish kick in the nuts and i haven't seen that since À l'Intérieur. I've been reading nothing but positive feedback, but i remained sceptic untill the very last minute. Why? I don't know. I guess i just had to see it to believe it. And now i believe it, this is some awesome stuff.

Directed by Ho-Cheung Pang... what can i expect? I had no idea, i'm not familiair with his work nor have i seen that many HK horror films. Neither can i compare this with any American slashers. I think the European cinema is closest with its straight down violent content and extremely nice cinmatography. It's a mix that you rarely find and when you do...it's like you're taking a piss after holding it in for hours. So that's good. 

The story is actually quite funny. It's as the title suggest, about a dream home. Cheng Li-sheung is a young woman who's ready to buy her first appartment. She's obsessed with getting one with a costal view. When the deal is canceled at the last minute, she loses it. She takes matters into her own hands. Obviously, it gets a little messy. 


Oh wait, it's not a little, nooo...it's plenty. Plenty? nooo, it's a lot. Though, i don't think that quantity is better than quality. But Ho-Cheung Pang has a surprise in store for us. He's combining quality with quantity, in a highly original way with stunning visuals and an amazing soundtrack. He offers the complete package, the fun and the abhorrence. But there's more to it, trust me.


It's partly a black comedy. Not 'in your face' funny but it definitely has its moments. In fact, the entire story is pretty funny when you think about it. But it's also shown in the way she kills people. It's realistic, gruesome, mind blowing...etc, but it's also suprisingly original and FUN. It looks amazing and the impact is surely there. She's a stone cold killer, but likeable in a strange way. 

It's a good thing that Pang didn't forget to make it a classy looking project. It's not a simple snack, it has it's values. It will entertain on multiple levels, keeping the gorehounds cheering for more and the quality-freaks drooling on the screen. Don't forget to keep your ears wide open, those piano tunes are doing what they do best. Great vibe with beautiful (calm) shots that are perfectly supported by the soundtrack. It's always capturing the right moments. 


Pang is shocking the audience because he wants to, not because he needs to. He's not trying to drown you in blood, but instead he makes you crave for more and more. And you'll get your share of bloodshedding with this one, I couldn't think of any other movie that does it with greater style. Just watch it already, don't let this gem slip away! 


Score: 93/100