Never heard of it before. Not a single review on IMDB. Saw that Dread Central gave it 4/5 stars. Gave it a shot. Fast paced, kept my attention, and I'd definitely recommend it. I needed to really pay attention and the movie was good enough that I didn't mind. It's not "Se7en" but it's absolutely worth a watch. While watching it I found that I stopped scrolling on my phone about 5 minutes in and never started up again all the way through. That's usually my personal test on whether I'd recommend a movie or not. If you liked Se7en, Gone Girl, or I Saw the Devil, then you should give this a watch.
15 Reviews
Pretty captivating, good actors
joana-gomes-606-3147692 January 2024
The story is interesting and the plot pulls you in even though it's not exactly surprising in terms of who did what, to whom and why. This is, in the end, a pretty standard "whodunnit". Found the actors' portrayal of the characters quite good and ended up researching more of their work precisely because of it. I was a bit annoyed by how incompetent the main character came across at times but thought I'd give her the benefit of the doubt since she was going through emotional trauma and pain. That being said, her boss was way more patient than most would have been. The younger police officer was funny and charming so I enjoyed their adding her to the story for a bit of an edge.
Entertaining for what it is
gabriel_sanchez8 January 2024
The Abandoned didn't stand out in the list of possibilities. Its premise might call your attention if you are looking for a thriller, mainly because the premise feels serious, and the genre is the classic "who is the killer and why."
Struggling to cope with the death of her partner, grieving deputy chief Wu Jie stumbles upon the work of a serial killer. Now she must solve the case before another girl gets killed.
The Abandoned follows classic mystery thriller elements, with some detective work and suspects. The climax is figuring out who is the killer and, of course, why he is the killer. It's your generic "whydunit" that The Abandoned executes well enough, entertaining if you want to watch a serious mystery thriller set on Taiwan.
The theme of dealing with loss of loved ones and betrayal are present throughout the movie. All relevant characters deal with some form of the theme, one believes one is guilty for one's loss, one believes one is right for standing his ground against one's loss, one believes one is right for murdering women that one believes are personifications of one's loss. Although the theme is present and strong during character development, the theme is not the focus; the focus is figuring out the serial killer.
The characters are variations of how one would deal with the theme. Main character Wu Jie is the character that feels she is responsible for her loss. Drama is real and effective as expected, but I felt that Wu Jie just abruptly embraces the case and her new partner Wei-shan. They didn't really share any relevant relationship, and Wu Jie, who in the beginning was reluctant about accepting hew new partner, out of the blue defends her, which feels a bit odd. The rest of her development is fine.
The interactions between the characters are alright. The dialogue feels believable, except for Wu Jie's sudden change from "I don't want to work anymore" to "let me work with Wei-shan and solve this case".
Police procedural is a bit absent in The Abandoned. Most of the investigation development happens in dialogue. Wu jei and Wei-shan figure out pieces of the puzzle and communicate.
The story takes place in suburban Taiwanese district. Nothing stands out in cinematography elements or in soundtrack: regular movie style.
Perhaps the only flaw in The Abandoned is that the list of suspects is small. Honestly, we get only three main suspects, which Wu Jei and Wei-shan dismisses quickly through detective work. When we get to the killer revelation, we feel a bit cheated.
The Abandoned does not reinvent the wheel. The story is purely entertainment.
Overall, The Abandoned is amusing for a quick mystery thriller entertainment. The movie does not raise any new factor or try to be innovative; it tries to tell a story to entertain, and it delivers alright.
The Abandoned follows classic mystery thriller elements, with some detective work and suspects. The climax is figuring out who is the killer and, of course, why he is the killer. It's your generic "whydunit" that The Abandoned executes well enough, entertaining if you want to watch a serious mystery thriller set on Taiwan.
The theme of dealing with loss of loved ones and betrayal are present throughout the movie. All relevant characters deal with some form of the theme, one believes one is guilty for one's loss, one believes one is right for standing his ground against one's loss, one believes one is right for murdering women that one believes are personifications of one's loss. Although the theme is present and strong during character development, the theme is not the focus; the focus is figuring out the serial killer.
The characters are variations of how one would deal with the theme. Main character Wu Jie is the character that feels she is responsible for her loss. Drama is real and effective as expected, but I felt that Wu Jie just abruptly embraces the case and her new partner Wei-shan. They didn't really share any relevant relationship, and Wu Jie, who in the beginning was reluctant about accepting hew new partner, out of the blue defends her, which feels a bit odd. The rest of her development is fine.
The interactions between the characters are alright. The dialogue feels believable, except for Wu Jie's sudden change from "I don't want to work anymore" to "let me work with Wei-shan and solve this case".
Police procedural is a bit absent in The Abandoned. Most of the investigation development happens in dialogue. Wu jei and Wei-shan figure out pieces of the puzzle and communicate.
The story takes place in suburban Taiwanese district. Nothing stands out in cinematography elements or in soundtrack: regular movie style.
Perhaps the only flaw in The Abandoned is that the list of suspects is small. Honestly, we get only three main suspects, which Wu Jei and Wei-shan dismisses quickly through detective work. When we get to the killer revelation, we feel a bit cheated.
The Abandoned does not reinvent the wheel. The story is purely entertainment.
Overall, The Abandoned is amusing for a quick mystery thriller entertainment. The movie does not raise any new factor or try to be innovative; it tries to tell a story to entertain, and it delivers alright.
An above average but appreciable outing for this Taiwanese flick...!!!
PANDIAN12062116 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
The Abandoned is a well-executed crime thriller surprisingly comes from Taiwanese or may be my first debut movie with perfect screenplay and the suspense well maintained until the last act also potrays how employees' mental health is addressed in the workplace & forced to work under the unsafe conditions due to lack of choice while exploited who raise the voice...
Not to be specified overall the cast did some tremendous job in keeping us edge seat... A major flaw of The Abandoned is that it doesn't give the audience the chance to understand the serial killer. Usually, in most thrillers, the investigation is designed in a way to understand how the killer thinks and the way the police understand and chase him and finally confront killer's motivations...
Overall a worthy crime thriller from Taiwanese that entertains well.
Not to be specified overall the cast did some tremendous job in keeping us edge seat... A major flaw of The Abandoned is that it doesn't give the audience the chance to understand the serial killer. Usually, in most thrillers, the investigation is designed in a way to understand how the killer thinks and the way the police understand and chase him and finally confront killer's motivations...
Overall a worthy crime thriller from Taiwanese that entertains well.
Effective taiwanese psychokiller hunt
norbert-plan-618-71581310 March 2024
A depressed policewoman (she is on the verge of suicide in the first shot of a film) investigates the murder of a young Thai woman whom she meets by chance. Other disappearances will follow. The bodies are mutilated. Is he a serial killer? She leads the investigation and manages to find out: it concerns a girl in an illegal situation in Taiwan; they arrive from Thailand. But some disappear and are found with missing organs.
Everything often takes place at night and often in the rain, in a dark, depressive atmosphere, very successful. Our investigator is not a superhero, and the Taiwanese police don't seem very efficient either. Janine Chun-Ning Chang carries the film and carries out the investigation with difficulty.
The film is a success in its genre. It maintains the viewer's attention until the culprit is identified and his confrontation with the policewoman.
Everything often takes place at night and often in the rain, in a dark, depressive atmosphere, very successful. Our investigator is not a superhero, and the Taiwanese police don't seem very efficient either. Janine Chun-Ning Chang carries the film and carries out the investigation with difficulty.
The film is a success in its genre. It maintains the viewer's attention until the culprit is identified and his confrontation with the policewoman.
A goodish thriller
kjohn-778916 January 2024
I am struggling here whether to give this movie a four star rating or five star, I know it maybe some new here in between.
I saw this Netflix last night after reading it was a way above average thriller which unfortunately was not true.
Now don't get me wrong, the film was good and I did enjoy it but the whole movie itself was tense enough for it to be very good.
Some of the scenes came across as comical when they were not meant to be, I think if the pace of the movie had been slower and more tension was out into some scenes then we would be talking about a six or seven star rating.
Overall worth a watch and then forget about it.
I saw this Netflix last night after reading it was a way above average thriller which unfortunately was not true.
Now don't get me wrong, the film was good and I did enjoy it but the whole movie itself was tense enough for it to be very good.
Some of the scenes came across as comical when they were not meant to be, I think if the pace of the movie had been slower and more tension was out into some scenes then we would be talking about a six or seven star rating.
Overall worth a watch and then forget about it.
In reality, are the Taiwanese police force well trained?
MovieIQTest4 February 2024
This movie is such a frustrating one to watch. I don't know it's because the screenplay writer lack of real experience of the Taiwanese police systems, or the writer really knew they are poorly trained, just a bunch of incapable morons who always failed and unable to solve any case.
How could these so-called detectives deal with the daily violent and murderous cases in Taiwan, if they are actually so lame?
This movie showing how stupid and incapable of the Taiwanese police force has inevitably make me jump to another question: If these Taiwanese cop armed with weapons are so weak and stupid, how they deal with the CCP when they invade this island and the whole society in panic?
But I have to repeat my irresistable complaint to the general shortcoming and weakness of all the Taiwanese movies. The horrible unnatural dialogue further spoiled by the poor delivery of all the Taiwanese actors or actresses. It seems once they have memorized the dialogue, every word out of their mouth simply felt so fake or even exaggerated. There's actually no realistic feelings or emotions in their dialogue, but awkward, pretentious and unreal. No real people in their daily lives would speak or talk like them. The Taiwanese screenplay writers never know how the real people in Taiwan actually speak or in real conversation. Then further foiled up by the usually poor talented Taiwanese actors and actresses, they just don't know how to talk like real people. This is the major reason why I have to stop watching Taiwanese movies after a short period, simply by losing patience and always felt uncomfortable to sit through. Almost every Taiwanese movie gave me the same feeling and outcome. It seems that Taiwanese actors, like oil and water, who never could put their acting together naturally with their dialogue.
How could these so-called detectives deal with the daily violent and murderous cases in Taiwan, if they are actually so lame?
This movie showing how stupid and incapable of the Taiwanese police force has inevitably make me jump to another question: If these Taiwanese cop armed with weapons are so weak and stupid, how they deal with the CCP when they invade this island and the whole society in panic?
But I have to repeat my irresistable complaint to the general shortcoming and weakness of all the Taiwanese movies. The horrible unnatural dialogue further spoiled by the poor delivery of all the Taiwanese actors or actresses. It seems once they have memorized the dialogue, every word out of their mouth simply felt so fake or even exaggerated. There's actually no realistic feelings or emotions in their dialogue, but awkward, pretentious and unreal. No real people in their daily lives would speak or talk like them. The Taiwanese screenplay writers never know how the real people in Taiwan actually speak or in real conversation. Then further foiled up by the usually poor talented Taiwanese actors and actresses, they just don't know how to talk like real people. This is the major reason why I have to stop watching Taiwanese movies after a short period, simply by losing patience and always felt uncomfortable to sit through. Almost every Taiwanese movie gave me the same feeling and outcome. It seems that Taiwanese actors, like oil and water, who never could put their acting together naturally with their dialogue.
Best crime thriller from Taiwan.
gsvasu200614 January 2024
Cha wu Ci xin ( The Abandoned) (2022) Taiwan movie review : THE ABANDONED on Netflix is a crime thriller from Taiwan (org. Title: Cha wu ci xin). This movie is a serial killer mystery and it is well made. I had seen it in original language with English subtitles. It is definitely worth to remake in other languages as it is character driven story of a police officer Wu Jie who is about to end her life on the New Year's eve, but is distracted in the last moment when the body of Thai woman is discovered by her with missing ring finger and heart. Wu Jie goes after the serial killer to live another day and thus finding her purpose to live. The movie held my interest from start to finish. Her newly assigned subordinate is a quick learner and does her bit quite well. Wu Jie reminded me my favourite character D. I. Kim Stone from Angela Morsons crime series, I need to get back to reading those books. In the end, one gets all the answers and a feeling of watching a good thriller. Janine Chun-Ning Chang is perfect playing the part of investigating officer who has been through personal trauma and pain, she is well supported by her subordinate Ca Wie-Shan played by bubbly Chloe Xiang. What I liked in end was Wu Jie gets to keep the dog of the bad guy. A dog is a dog, no matter what his owner is or was, right? I ended up liking this I had watched on the New Year's eve. My rating is 10/10. It has nudity as we Wu Jie has to deal with bodies and post morten. Highly recommended.
I hope in real life the police is more competent in Taiwan
rvdm-786939 January 2024
Was looking forward to watch this , especially after the reviews. Very disappointed. 2 female cops who over and over again make rookie mistakes, thin plot line , poor acting and impossible to connect with any of the characters. One of the worst crime movies I have seen this year
Police wherever in the world works by a certain protocol, to see how these 2 females go about a case is for sure incompetent at best , gross misconduct at worse. Just laughable to have in one movie 4 major mess ups caused by these women without consequences. I love Asian movies esp the Korean crime ones but pls skip this one.
Police wherever in the world works by a certain protocol, to see how these 2 females go about a case is for sure incompetent at best , gross misconduct at worse. Just laughable to have in one movie 4 major mess ups caused by these women without consequences. I love Asian movies esp the Korean crime ones but pls skip this one.
Could be much better
itriatay99522 January 2024
Cha wu ci xin (The Abandoned) was one of the movies that I was waiting to watch. I had high expectations from this movie but my expectations did not match after watching the movie's ending. I can tell you that it is a really good movie until the ending of it. Janine Chang is a really good actress and I think that she should appear in TV Series and movies of the West. Nevertheless, I cannot say the same for Chloe Xiang because she is really overacting and it is obvious. The atmosphere of this movie is a bit depressive and if you are suicidal, you should stay away from this movie. I give 5 points out of 10 for this one because of it's ending. It could be much much better if the movie had a different ending and less emphasis on suicidal tendencies.
Worst movie ever
stephanboungert3 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This is by far one of the most frustrating movies to watch . The story and plot is good but the characters are completely useless . This movie will have you screaming at it just because of the lack of common sense in the characters . The main cop in the movie is completely useless when it comes to catching the suspect , Gets her weapon taken away from her then gets tricked multiple times , and can't even take down a single suspect and cuff him with help from 2 other people . It definitely gives a horrible example on the Taiwanese police force and makes them seem like they have the most useless officers . Movie is complete waste of time and I recommend to avoid watching it .
A good story marred by horrible character decisions
hexedd30 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I agree wholeheartedly with other reviewers who have commented on this film's shortcomings.
The script is good and the actors do their best, but the story is marred, especially towards the end, by the most ridiculous character actions (and inactions). The last thirty minutes in particular ruin what is otherwise a serious and professional film. In those thirty minutes the protagonist becomes one of the most ridiculous and inept police officers ever portrayed on screen, including my personal favourite hilarious plot line: handcuffing the killer and going, by herself with him, to his lair and asking him to lead her to his next victim. I actually laughed several times throughout the last few scenes, it was that ridiculous. It's unfortunate when good films get lazy towards the end and ask the viewer to accept a shift from good scriptwriting to complete laziness.
Don't bother with this one unless you're really hurting for something to watch. This film takes great atmosphere and a good premise and ruins it.
The script is good and the actors do their best, but the story is marred, especially towards the end, by the most ridiculous character actions (and inactions). The last thirty minutes in particular ruin what is otherwise a serious and professional film. In those thirty minutes the protagonist becomes one of the most ridiculous and inept police officers ever portrayed on screen, including my personal favourite hilarious plot line: handcuffing the killer and going, by herself with him, to his lair and asking him to lead her to his next victim. I actually laughed several times throughout the last few scenes, it was that ridiculous. It's unfortunate when good films get lazy towards the end and ask the viewer to accept a shift from good scriptwriting to complete laziness.
Don't bother with this one unless you're really hurting for something to watch. This film takes great atmosphere and a good premise and ruins it.
Funny movie
daniel-4504411 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
If it's comedy,I will gave it 10
but it's not sorry~
The actor IQ has lots of problem
Everything has no sense.
Murderer hide very deep,I don't think anyone can find out who is murderer.
That is the biggest problem in this movie.
Next main characters,their IQ has lots of problem,If u got murderer,u should call help,I don't know why she go alone with the murderer,sick as the murderer.
At least the movie is funny because main characters every dicision is funny.
HahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahagagagagagagagagagagahahahahahahahahahahahAhahaha Waste my time.
Murderer hide very deep,I don't think anyone can find out who is murderer.
That is the biggest problem in this movie.
Next main characters,their IQ has lots of problem,If u got murderer,u should call help,I don't know why she go alone with the murderer,sick as the murderer.
At least the movie is funny because main characters every dicision is funny.
HahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahagagagagagagagagagagahahahahahahahahahahahAhahaha Waste my time.
Generic serial killer film
alain-kapel57 March 2024
This Taiwanese police procedural is a dull, lifeless film that simply goes through the motions without reaching any discernible high points.
It begins with the usual hook for this genre: a serial killer makes life hard for a depressed detective, who has to come to terms with herself while chasing the madman with the help of her rookie colleague. That would be fine if the plot presented at least a few fresh ingredients throughout the runtime, but it just settles into a predictable rut and never manages to lift above it.
I can't quite say this is a terrible film since it is competently shot and acted well enough, I guess. But the writing is unexceptional, and even pretty weak at times, given that a few scenes come across as comical when they were obviously meant to be serious. Absolutely no surprises or interesting character work are at store for the viewer, and I believe that won't cut it for many genre fans.
It is available on Netflix for anyone interested, but I wouldn't recommend it.
It begins with the usual hook for this genre: a serial killer makes life hard for a depressed detective, who has to come to terms with herself while chasing the madman with the help of her rookie colleague. That would be fine if the plot presented at least a few fresh ingredients throughout the runtime, but it just settles into a predictable rut and never manages to lift above it.
I can't quite say this is a terrible film since it is competently shot and acted well enough, I guess. But the writing is unexceptional, and even pretty weak at times, given that a few scenes come across as comical when they were obviously meant to be serious. Absolutely no surprises or interesting character work are at store for the viewer, and I believe that won't cut it for many genre fans.
It is available on Netflix for anyone interested, but I wouldn't recommend it.
Film is suck!
birusua7 January 2024
Wasted my time, I can do better! The film's chars are absolutly bored, and the action scene and char role do not make sence either. I dont event know what am I watching for?
But I also challenge the whole "critics as monolith" convention. Even on an aggregation site like Rotten Tomatoes, critics don't agree. You'd be hard pressed to find a movie as beloved as The Dark Knight, but it only has 94%. It is beloved by audiences, critics, and the industry, but 6% of critics say, "Don't bother! Not worth your time!" John Carter was a failure on every level and it still has 52% of critics saying it's good. Green Lantern was approved by 26% of critics.
But I also challenge the whole "critics as monolith" convention. Even on an aggregation site like Rotten Tomatoes, critics don't agree. You'd be hard pressed to find a movie as beloved as The Dark Knight, but it only has 94%. It is beloved by audiences, critics, and the industry, but 6% of critics say, "Don't bother! Not worth your time!" John Carter was a failure on every level and it still has 52% of critics saying it's good. Green Lantern was approved by 26% of critics.
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