Detention
Detention

Movie spotlight

Detention

2019
Movie
102 min
Mandarin

In the 1960s, two classmates go looking for their missing friends and teachers, all of whom took part in an illegal book club, only to come face to face with ghosts and deformed monsters that have taken over their school.

Insights

IMDb6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes95%
Metacritic75/100
Google Users88%
Director: John HsuGenres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Fantasy, Coming-of-age

Plot Summary

Set in 1962 Taiwan during martial law, a high school student named Wei is haunted by the ghost of her deceased classmate, Chun-hua. As she investigates the disappearance of her crush, Fang, and her teacher, Mr. Liu, she uncovers dark secrets about the school and the oppressive political regime. The supernatural events intertwine with a tragic past, revealing a story of forbidden love, political persecution, and the lingering trauma of the White Terror era.

Critical Reception

Detention was critically acclaimed for its atmospheric horror, unique blend of historical commentary and supernatural elements, and compelling performances. It successfully captured the oppressive atmosphere of martial law-era Taiwan while delivering a genuinely frightening and emotionally resonant story. The film was praised for its artistic direction and its sensitive handling of a difficult historical period.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its effective blend of horror and historical drama.

  • Commended for its atmospheric tension and exploration of Taiwan's White Terror period.

  • Lauded for its strong performances and unsettling supernatural elements.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated 'Detention' for its unique approach to horror, integrating historical context effectively. Many highlighted the film's ability to be both scary and thought-provoking, particularly its commentary on past political repression. Some viewers found the narrative complex, but the overall sentiment was positive, emphasizing its originality and emotional impact.

Awards & Accolades

Won Best New Performer (Gingle Wang) and Best Adapted Screenplay at the 56th Golden Horse Awards. Nominated for Best Feature Film, Best Director, and Best Original Film Score.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the popular Taiwanese horror video game of the same name, developed by Red Candle Games, which itself was inspired by the historical context of the White Terror in Taiwan.

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