Cast
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Anthony Wong Chau-Sang
as Kai
Vincent Wan Yeung-Ming
as Sergent Yeung
Angel Wong Chui-Ling
as Lily Chow
Marianne Chan
as Har
Lo Meng
as Restaurant Owner Kei
Lu Cheung
as Kei's wife
Shing Fui-On
as Boss Kwan
Tsang Yin
as Kwan's wife
Peter Ngor Chi-Kwan
as Ma
Cindy Yip Sin-Yi
as Prostitute
Lori Shannon
as Prostitute
Bobby Yip Kin-Sang
as Triad who gets sneezed on
William Leung Chi-Ming
as
Ronald Wong
as
Lorraine Ho
as
Crew
Director
- Herman Yau
Writer
- Chau Ting
Producer
- Wong Jing
- Lee Siu-Kay
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Comedy/Crime/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Ebola Syndrome presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Herman Yau brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1996, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Ebola Syndrome took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 152 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 294 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1996, when this film was released:
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Ebola Syndrome shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Funeral, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Ebola Syndrome subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Street Mobster and King of the Ants explore similar territory, Ebola Syndrome stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 15, 1996
- Runtime: 1h 40m
