Hello Ghost Review: The Taiwanese film stars Jing Hua-tseng, Ivy Shao, Lu Yi-ching, Tsai Hsing-chang, Jia Yin-tsai, Chun Hao-hung, Bai Jing-yi and others. It is a remake of the 2010 Korean film of the same name. The 2023 film on Netflix is directed by Hsieh Pei-ju. The runtime is 1 hour 43 minutes.
Hello Ghost 2023 Trailer
Hello Ghost Review Contains No Spoilers
Hello Ghost Review: Plot Summary
Ah Wei, a lonely and unhappy young man, decides to end his life due to loneliness. However, all of his suicide attempts keep failing. After his last attempt, Wei gets admitted to the hospital, but he returns with lots of ghosts. Thankfully, not from the past! From kids to elderly people, these ghosts don’t leave Wei alone, not even for a minute. They all show him the magnificence of life and make sure he never returns to the dark zone.
Hello Ghost Review: Discussion
The concept of the dead teaching the alive and depressed what life means is endearing and powerful. When Ah Wei decides to harm himself, he thinks about how he’s all alone, especially during the festival season. It’s a familiar feeling for many. It’s a sadness or realisation that hits many every year. We are all aware that seasonal depression exists, and it can make one anxious and blue with every passing hour.
The first 10 minutes are dark, but everything after that feels hopeful. The ghosts don’t entirely help Ah Wei to rediscover the meaning of life. They only serve as a catalyst. Considering that the main character has been granted another opportunity to accomplish everything he was previously unable to, it is up to him how he redefines his new journey.
Whether it’s understanding himself better or pushing himself to build new connections, especially romantic ones, Ah Wei takes all the risks he didn’t take earlier. The person he was before and the person he transforms into in the next hour are completely contrasting. The film never once trivialises the sense of isolation and despair that leads someone to act in such a drastic manner. However, it does help us comprehend that maybe some individuals have put in extreme efforts to save themselves. Unfortunately, life isn’t fair!
Hello Ghost on Netflix will keep you engaged and amused with the banter between Ah Wei and these ghosts. However, when the movie takes an emotional angle, it hits you hard. You will be moved to tears. The last 30 minutes are filled with such immense, teary-eyed moments. I loved how these emotions were well balanced, with the story’s intent remaining the major focus until the end. You understood what the makers were trying to convey, and they never strayed from their central plot.
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In terms of performance, Tseng Jing-hua is remarkable throughout as Xu Chen Wei/Ah Wei, a man of complex emotions, moods, and vulnerabilities. The actor seamlessly transforms from someone who has zero desire to live to someone who helps another person feel alive towards the end. Ivy Shao, as Yu Hsiao-yin is a breath of fresh air. Her character has a poignant subplot that brings more meaning to the tale. Ivy is impressive and shares good chemistry with Tseng.
Lu Yi-ching, Chang Tsai-hsing, Tsai Jia-yin, Hong Jun-hao, and Bai Jing-yi keep you delighted with their attempts to help Ah Wei experience the beauty and adventure of life. These ghosts also have a satisfying ending to their respective premises. Every character is given prominence, which blends effortlessly into the overall story.
Hello Ghost Review: Final Thoughts
Overall, Netflix’s Hello Ghost is worth your time. It is not only an enjoyable film but also comes with a priceless lesson about life from the dead. It’s the perfect festive watch, whether you are alone or with your loved ones.
The movie is now streaming on Netflix.
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