Rather than relying on gore or a typical vengeful ghost like most Asian horror, this is a character driven, dramatic story that comes across as sadly nostalgic instead of overtly horrifying. All the actors and actresses do a wonderful job coming across like real people with their own motivations and drives. The main character is one that is both likable and easily identified with by the watcher. His scenes with the ghosts of his parents leave you longing for simpler times when things made more sense and perhaps wishing you could have time to know your own parents as people. You can't help but be happy as he rediscovers something he thought he had lost forever, his ability to love. The horror comes with the ending plot twist and is done with elegance and restraint that does not detract from the rest of the movie's feel. It is an emotionally satisfying movie even if it is not really scary.
Review of The Discarnates
