The Eye

The Eye (Seeing Ghosts) is a Hong Kong film released in 2002. This movie was the first of The Eye franchise. It also has two other remakes: one in India called Naina released in 2005 followed by the American remake starring Jessica Alba in 2008.

Plot

Blind since her toddler years, twenty year old Wong Kar Mun is finally eligible for eye cornea transplant after the doctor informs her of a donor. Living with her sister and grandmother that are quite supportive and very hopeful, there's no doubting the success of the surgery. Soon after Mun is able to see, it's obvious to the viewer that strange things are haunting her in the hospital, none of which seem to be all too hostile to Mun.

But soon after Mun leaves and starts to get used to the outside world, she's faced with the vengeful spirits of those who perished in a tragic accident. From creepy children asking if she's seen their report cards to dark silhouettes looking for another life to take to the other side, Mun is floored with her new ability and struggles to cope with such trauma.

Scared to tell her family, Mun handles this brand of abuse for some time before she starts being haunted in her sleep and seeing visions unfold right before her very eyes. She confides in the help of Dr. Wah, a man that has taken a liking to the twenty year old and falls for her grace. He's a relatively professional ally that is known to help blind patients accustom themselves to the daily happenings of life. Hearing that Mun is suffering from some sort of psychological problem, he tries hard to get her help, but Mun refuses to believe this is a problem of the brain, rather, that she's acquired the eyes of a psychic.

With the two teaming up to try and understand what certain visions mean, Mun's introduction to the world is one not to be forgotten.

Overall

I didn't even know that The Eye was originally a film created and released in Hong Kong so I was very excited when I came over this movie scrolling through Hulu. When I first started it, I knew that it must have been released a while ago especially since the graphics and the images in itself looked very outdated. So of course when I realized it was released in 2002 did I freak out because I had first watched the American remake starring Jessica Alba and I adored that movie with everything in me. But I also feel that Hong Kong's version of The Eye is scary in its own way as the actress they picked was a very enlightening one and did a phenomenal job.

I'm a horror fanatic so feeling chills ease down my spine at almost 3AM made me so ecstatic. I was so attached to Mun and Dr. Wah. Their love was so innocent and full of life, it was unbelievable. It's not every day you watch a horror movie that relates to both the horror aspect as well as the growing plot, character development, and realistic ending. It was a genuine story that one needed to pay attention to through beginning, middle, and end. And I'm proud to say that I was so in love with this that it's topped my list.

I usually critically analyze many of the movies and shows I watch, but this is the type of movie I would hate to spoil for anyone who hasn't looked into The Eye or its remakes. If you do give it a watch, be prepared for the biggest plot twist one could honestly prepare for. I usually see these things coming, but man, that blindsided me.