Backdrop preview The Girl Shaman backdrop
The Girl Shaman

The Girl Shaman (2016)

Dec 23, 2016 1h 8m Horror Comedy

Following Tales from the Dark and Are You Here, Siu Yam Yam scares audiences again in the horror film The Girl Shaman. The Shaw Brothers veteran is flanked by a young lineup of actresses including Ashina Kwok (Lazy Hazy Crazy), Maggie Lee (La Lingerie), Daisy Li and Yan Linglan of Seven Sense. After losing her boyfriend to a drowning accident, 19-year-old Xueni (Ashina Kwok) agrees to a soul-swap contract with an elderly shaman (Siu Yam Yam). Having gained the power to wander the realms of the living and dead, Xueni sets out to save her boyfriend's soul.

Directed by 毕基

Cast

View All

Crew

Director
  • 毕基

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!
Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

This Horror/Comedy film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Girl Shaman presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.

Director 毕基 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 2016, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of The Girl Shaman took approximately 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 68 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 122 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
  • The costume department created over 374 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 2016, when this film is released:
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: December 23, 2016
  • Runtime: 1h 8m

Similar Movies