SHAW-SHOCK VOLUME 2: THE GHOST LOVERS REVIEW

Last year I reviewed a film called The Enchanting Shadow (1960), a movie that is considered a classic in Hong Kong horror cinema and was the direct inspiration for the 1987 film, A Chinese Ghost Story. The Enchanting Shadow was one of three films included in the Shaw-Shock: Shaw Brothers Horror Collection Volume 2. My review of the second film, The Ghost Lovers (1974), is up at easternKicks and can be read HERE. I should have the third film, The Bride from Hell (1972), reviewed soon as well. 

The Ghost Lovers is a subtle horror film, starring Li Ching, who excels as the departed bride trying to re-unite with her betrothed. It was directed by Shin Sang-Ok, a South Korean director, whose life could be made into a thriller, and was retold in the documentary The Lovers and the Despot (2016).

All of the films in the Shaw Shock boxed set highlight the human qualities of their ghosts, but this is notable for its singular attention to that detail. By focusing on the bride's longing to unit with her husband-to-be and consummate their marriage so she can escape a life doomed to wander as a spirit, it highlights her humanity. 

I am not sure but it seems based on the same source material as the Japanese film The Bride from Hades (1968). Though I think the storyline is handled very differently in each film, the basic plot strokes, with minor variations, are present in both. 

When my Bride From Hell review goes up I will post more here about the Shaw Shock boxed set. I am excited to see these classic ghost movies restored and released on blu-ray.