The story is a tragedy during Taiwanese white terror period.(1949-1991) During this period the freedom of assembly and association are strictly forbidden. In this film, many people are sentenced to death for the reasons which are considered far from crimes today. The budget of this movie is less than 3 million US dollar. However the quality of this movie is much way better than it's cost. Good script. Good casting. Good directing. Good sound design. Good scoring. And excellent production design! Especially it was adapted from a computer game with the same title "Detention". It is very hard to adapt a computer game to a film, but they made it! Though the story still has some pacing problems, it's still an excellent work with this budget. I enjoyed this film very much.
37 Reviews
Not perfect, *definitely* worth watching
ethon-230625 October 2019
Not perfect but definitely worth watching
vincentdgogh-6201415 December 2019
One of my favorite movies, as a mainlander, this movie showed me a lot about Taiwan. The metaphors are quite impressive. A movie about love, freedom, hunger, fear, resistance, hope and redemption. I cried when the movie finished, the girl next me cried a lot.
Underwhelming if still highly watchable ghost story with political intrigue
kannibalcorpsegrinder13 September 2020
In the White Terror period of Taiwan, a female student and several colleagues trying to keep a secret book club that reads forbidden foreign propaganda away from the authorities find the area being haunted by wrathful spirits and tries to find the cause of the hauntings to ensure the safety of her friends.
There was a lot to like at times with this one. Among the better features present here is the film's setup that enables for a generalized setting of the period this one takes place. Focusing on the political turmoil prevalent at the school, ranging from the military takeover banning everything that contained a different form of ideological viewpoint, torturing those who practiced or performed any action that was perceived as threatening to their ordered control allows us to dive into this world rather quickly and efficiently. The need to do their book club in secret under the ruins of the school for fear of being discovered, the constant threat of being captured and forced to confess their actions and constantly worried about being monitored for their actions is all brought together to form a rather enjoyable environment to set this one in. As well, the film has a lot to like with the haunting scenes that take place as the horror elements here are quite enjoyable. The scene of the girl wandering through the darkened school hallways with only a candle for light while chasing after a colleague only to come across a ghostly figure coming after her serves this rather nicely with a lot of suspense of the ghost coming slowly after her all the while it's nearly impossible to tell if it's a dream or not. A later scene of several students having to hide inside the school ruins to escape a strange creature following them, a race to get away from a monstrous figure chasing them through the campus which allows for some nice action while the finale has some of the most genuinely chilling and creepy sequences in the film as the purpose of the hauntings tying into the political control angle from the first half. It's action-packed and quite intense, making for the film's overall likable qualities. There are a few issues with the film. One of the main problems is the traditional overlong running time common in Asian horror where this one focuses on unnecessary side plots or sequences that don't need to be here. From the girls' romance with the soldier to the bland conversations focusing on their secret group of students and soldier trainees trying to keep their operations quiet, these scenes don't go anywhere original or clever which is a real shame. Likewise, they tie into the other big problem with the overbearing political tangents where the military in charge of the school is constantly reminding people about their purpose for being there and the overwhelming sense of nationalistic duty is the predominant factor in the film instead of the ghosts. It's somewhat easy to forget they're even a factor in the film at all based on their lack of attention throughout here despite how creepy their scenes are, making for a troubling time overall.
Rated Unrated/R: Violence and Language.
There was a lot to like at times with this one. Among the better features present here is the film's setup that enables for a generalized setting of the period this one takes place. Focusing on the political turmoil prevalent at the school, ranging from the military takeover banning everything that contained a different form of ideological viewpoint, torturing those who practiced or performed any action that was perceived as threatening to their ordered control allows us to dive into this world rather quickly and efficiently. The need to do their book club in secret under the ruins of the school for fear of being discovered, the constant threat of being captured and forced to confess their actions and constantly worried about being monitored for their actions is all brought together to form a rather enjoyable environment to set this one in. As well, the film has a lot to like with the haunting scenes that take place as the horror elements here are quite enjoyable. The scene of the girl wandering through the darkened school hallways with only a candle for light while chasing after a colleague only to come across a ghostly figure coming after her serves this rather nicely with a lot of suspense of the ghost coming slowly after her all the while it's nearly impossible to tell if it's a dream or not. A later scene of several students having to hide inside the school ruins to escape a strange creature following them, a race to get away from a monstrous figure chasing them through the campus which allows for some nice action while the finale has some of the most genuinely chilling and creepy sequences in the film as the purpose of the hauntings tying into the political control angle from the first half. It's action-packed and quite intense, making for the film's overall likable qualities. There are a few issues with the film. One of the main problems is the traditional overlong running time common in Asian horror where this one focuses on unnecessary side plots or sequences that don't need to be here. From the girls' romance with the soldier to the bland conversations focusing on their secret group of students and soldier trainees trying to keep their operations quiet, these scenes don't go anywhere original or clever which is a real shame. Likewise, they tie into the other big problem with the overbearing political tangents where the military in charge of the school is constantly reminding people about their purpose for being there and the overwhelming sense of nationalistic duty is the predominant factor in the film instead of the ghosts. It's somewhat easy to forget they're even a factor in the film at all based on their lack of attention throughout here despite how creepy their scenes are, making for a troubling time overall.
Rated Unrated/R: Violence and Language.
It's a must to remember the history and never leave it alone
dellacorn18 January 2020
It's a very smart try to make it a horror movie which grasp the core of political metaphors. This movie means a lot more than the acting skills or the use of frame, color etc. It's difficult to talk about it in mainland China but it doesn't mean that we don't know it or we don't care. Also if one day we could watch a feature which is more mature, it may be better.
its ok in genral
r-9494516 January 2020
A new milestone for Taiwanese movie
cyh-923711 October 2019
It's classified as a thriller, but what catches my eyes is the plot and the awesome choice of the actors and actresses. Even if you don't understand Taiwanese history, the movie is still deserved watching. I expected to be frightened When entering the theater, but end up crying when leaving.
A horror story with politics heavily influenced into it.
douglasteo9022 February 2020
After watching this movie, my first thought was if this wasnt a video game, with the slender man monster it would be a waste and why does this remind me of the game "Devotion"? with the cinematography. Guess what it is. The art director was great, creepy and weird at the same time, except for the poor CGI which i expected from Taiwan, other than US, no other countries can produce decent cgi so i can look past it. I presume this movie is another title aimed at dissing KMT's handling during the white terror period, which ironically was Taiwan's most properous one as well. Curfews issued at 10pm daily, restrictions on gatherings and discussion basically no freedom of speech or anything allowed, my mum lived thru that. Whatever it is put politics aside and enjoy the movie.
Detention
jackson_ro8 February 2020
There is novelty in the film Detention, it tries to be political, tries to be ideological and tries to be romantic. All of these elements are present and works, but the film is also messy and problematic, perhaps due to the film trying to stay loyal to the film. The film explores a fascinating piece of history in Taiwan that is not often talked about, but maybe if the setting could be done in a non-horror film format it would have worked better, because everything else is really good.
A Masterpiece
luc-0318010 October 2019
It perfactlly illustrated the society in the 60s in Taiwan. Most importantly, the government portraited in the film showed the value of democracy. People gone through all of the painful past only for a better world, the world with freedom. The film is categorized as a horror movie, it doesn't have a lot of jumping or sudden scenes that scares you. However, it's about Taiwanese's inner fear for the era that's full of pain and easily forgotten by people. The era can be known as Taiwan's darkest era, Detention, however, reminds Taiwanese their darkest era, which leads to the greatest fear within the society. The whole film is covered by horror, perhaps it's a little bit confusing, but the director used smart tricks to convey the horror to us. From all the elements above, Detention is an outstanding film, and it should be watched by all Taiwaneses. By the way, people should never forgot the painful history, it showed the greatness of the modern world, and for the people who sacrificed for the democracy nowadays, should be remembered forever.
A horror film that gives you courage
OctRad10 August 2022
The narration is still game-style instead of film-style, making me feel that the game experience could be way better than the film adaption. I got thrilled a bit by those scenes where the ghosts show up suddenly in loud sounds. But the political theme is somewhat anti-horror by nature. Although a bit preachy, the film gives courage to the audience, especially to those who come from authoritarian countries. Memory is people's weapon against reigns of terror.
Pretention
109YearsOld31 July 2023
This movie looks like a well produced TV show, the CGI is on par with the video games some twenty years ago. And the actors are those you usually see in Golden Horse Awards, yeah, those hired to clap hands.
Highly recommended to fast forward this movie while having a meal so as not to completely waste your precious time, I would consider to give one more star if the movie industry pays dividend to those who watch such lousy political propaganda. Be warned.
Highly recommended to fast forward this movie while having a meal so as not to completely waste your precious time, I would consider to give one more star if the movie industry pays dividend to those who watch such lousy political propaganda. Be warned.
Highly recommended to fast forward this movie while having a meal so as not to completely waste your precious time, I would consider to give one more star if the movie industry pays dividend to those who watch such lousy political propaganda. Be warned.
Highly recommended to fast forward this movie while having a meal so as not to completely waste your precious time, I would consider to give one more star if the movie industry pays dividend to those who watch such lousy political propaganda. Be warned.
Historically informative haunting flick based on a video game
youngcollind22 November 2022
It seems to be a relatively low budget affair, which is evident in the visual style, with a couple misfires in the special effects. It's littered with ghost movie tropes and frequently approaches a melodrama that's campier than was likely the intention. Nevertheless, it manages to hold itself together through the sheer intrigue of the story it has to tell.
Since very little takes place in a tangible "reality", it takes on a surrealistic quality, and much of the on screen terror is more symbolic than literal. Not to say it's a fully abstract affair, it just holds your interest by weaving it's plot through non-linear breadcrumbs.
It belongs to the small sub-genre that wraps horror themes around real world tragedies, which seems to be a win for me every time. At this point, I'm pretty much exclusively learning about various geopolitical atrocities through horror movies, and would otherwise have been unaware of the Taiwanese White Terror situation. Carry on educational horror, I thank you for your service.
While there may be shortcomings in the filmmaking, the core story is great. Imagine my surprise when I found out the source material was actually a video game. Guess I need to give movies based on games more credit, because I did not see that coming!
Since very little takes place in a tangible "reality", it takes on a surrealistic quality, and much of the on screen terror is more symbolic than literal. Not to say it's a fully abstract affair, it just holds your interest by weaving it's plot through non-linear breadcrumbs.
It belongs to the small sub-genre that wraps horror themes around real world tragedies, which seems to be a win for me every time. At this point, I'm pretty much exclusively learning about various geopolitical atrocities through horror movies, and would otherwise have been unaware of the Taiwanese White Terror situation. Carry on educational horror, I thank you for your service.
While there may be shortcomings in the filmmaking, the core story is great. Imagine my surprise when I found out the source material was actually a video game. Guess I need to give movies based on games more credit, because I did not see that coming!
Detention
notHyperhola7 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Detention is telling a beautiful, tragic, and chilling story which blend with the ghost and god supernatural folklores in Min Nan. Chinese elders always told their chidren DO NOT turn back your head when you walk alone in the night and hear someone call your name, because once you turn around, the apparition or something uncleaned may blow out the candles on your shoulder and hook your soul. In the movie, you can see a monster looks like slender man, carrying a lantern, seeking and wandering in the school. If you meet it, you must hold breath and avoid eye contact. The lingered phantom wangliang with horrific face sneaked behind heroine, maybe a symbol of heroine's dark, shamed memories or it's just herself, which remind me the feeling of the Silent Hill.
Thriller, horror, historical piece
Howling_at_the_Moon_Reviews16 August 2022
This was a really intriguing thriller/horror. It looked really beautiful throughout, the acting was great all around and the plot really kept you engaged. I think they did something very special, cool and original here.
Was it perfect? No. But it was pretty great. The CGI could have been much better for something that was released in 2021. Also it all got a bit confusing and convoluted at times. However, I think that was partially purposeful in creating the dreamlike atmosphere and partially due to being an American and an English speaker.
This has some phenomenal elements to it and just a great general concept/ plot. I'm honestly surprised someone in America hasn't ripped this off yet. Would definitely recommend... as a thriller, a horror and and educative historical piece.
Was it perfect? No. But it was pretty great. The CGI could have been much better for something that was released in 2021. Also it all got a bit confusing and convoluted at times. However, I think that was partially purposeful in creating the dreamlike atmosphere and partially due to being an American and an English speaker.
This has some phenomenal elements to it and just a great general concept/ plot. I'm honestly surprised someone in America hasn't ripped this off yet. Would definitely recommend... as a thriller, a horror and and educative historical piece.
May we all live ordinarily and freely. #TGHFF2019
SidSea20 November 2019
For several times that I almost burst into loud sobs however the tears were just not dropping because what's happening next is extremly horrifying!
The rhythm of the film is so good, the BGM is such excellent and the VFX is amazing, almost perfect!
The most frightening thing is not ghosts, but human hearts. Use public power carefully, there are gods three feets above our heads, be careful of being backfired.
Freedom is hard won, and it is worth cherishing by all of us. May we all live ordinaryily and freely.
The rhythm of the film is so good, the BGM is such excellent and the VFX is amazing, almost perfect!
The most frightening thing is not ghosts, but human hearts. Use public power carefully, there are gods three feets above our heads, be careful of being backfired.
Freedom is hard won, and it is worth cherishing by all of us. May we all live ordinaryily and freely.
Interesting. totally gave me Silent Hill vibes
Neptune16523 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Based on the popular indie horror game, John Hsu's Detention is the best video game adaptation yet, the best Silent Hill movie that never was, and an eerie politically-charged nightmare by its own merits.
Set during Taiwan's totalitarian "White Terror" period, Detention follows Fang and Wei, two students who study banned material in an underground book club with other pupils and teachers. When they awaken in a nightmarish otherworld, the horrors of occult and oppression meld, bringing fears and guilt to the surface.
Made for an equivalent of $3,000,000, Detention has a palette of decay that belies its budget. As Fang and Wei try to escape the school grounds, the film uses effective VFX and candlelit atmosphere to create an unearthly mood where very human sins materialize as a personalized hell. Nightmare logic, unfolding through flashback chapters, gradually clarify into a denouncement of suppressive rule and its lingering trauma. The imagery may be supernatural, but Detention's real terror is worse than any ghost or specter. Occasional pacing dips and a sense of familiarity lessened the suspense, but the ending resonated.
(And seriously, if there's another Silent Hill adaptation, John Hsu's name needs to be on the shortlist)
Set during Taiwan's totalitarian "White Terror" period, Detention follows Fang and Wei, two students who study banned material in an underground book club with other pupils and teachers. When they awaken in a nightmarish otherworld, the horrors of occult and oppression meld, bringing fears and guilt to the surface.
Made for an equivalent of $3,000,000, Detention has a palette of decay that belies its budget. As Fang and Wei try to escape the school grounds, the film uses effective VFX and candlelit atmosphere to create an unearthly mood where very human sins materialize as a personalized hell. Nightmare logic, unfolding through flashback chapters, gradually clarify into a denouncement of suppressive rule and its lingering trauma. The imagery may be supernatural, but Detention's real terror is worse than any ghost or specter. Occasional pacing dips and a sense of familiarity lessened the suspense, but the ending resonated.
(And seriously, if there's another Silent Hill adaptation, John Hsu's name needs to be on the shortlist)
A must-see movie for those who want to learn about Taiwan's contemporary history
VanDarkholme28 April 2020
The movie perfectly illustrated White Terror martial law period. As a mainlander who hardly know Taiwan's history and politics, I learned how tough Taiwanese people experience so much in decades to call for precious freedom. "Remember the history and never forget", is what we should to avoid a terrible foreboding of history repeating itself.
In a misfortune of era, not a single person is innocent. Sometimes democracy, freedom and human rights sound abstract to us normal people. You can't just say compared with food and drink; freedom is useless. But that's many people in China think, despite how ridiculous the idea is. Like Taiwan, we experienced Cultural Revolution and 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. Unfortunately, many who are brainwashed think stability of a nation is more prior than anything and happy to live under repressive rules. What a shame! The fact is, limited freedom will be deprived little by little just as boiling frog in warm water. I am really confused, if one day stepped backwards to the terrible time as in the 60s, will people really stand up and revolt for their freedom or give up and live as zombies?
In a misfortune of era, not a single person is innocent. Sometimes democracy, freedom and human rights sound abstract to us normal people. You can't just say compared with food and drink; freedom is useless. But that's many people in China think, despite how ridiculous the idea is. Like Taiwan, we experienced Cultural Revolution and 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. Unfortunately, many who are brainwashed think stability of a nation is more prior than anything and happy to live under repressive rules. What a shame! The fact is, limited freedom will be deprived little by little just as boiling frog in warm water. I am really confused, if one day stepped backwards to the terrible time as in the 60s, will people really stand up and revolt for their freedom or give up and live as zombies?
Douban baned the page of this film
g-1052612 December 2023
So I came here to write something about it.
A pretty good adaptation from a game, for I didn't realize it was one util I googled it after watching. And as soon as I realize that, it makes perfect sense. 'Cos the plot and the visul is definitely good game material.
On the subject matter of it, freedom is a tricky thing, like is freedom where a teacher can date a student?
But the most interesting is the fact that the film (and the game) was banned from some popular social media platform in mainland china, where the majority party is communist because the game creators(also the movie creater, i guess) are for the notion that taiwan as a standalone country, when the movie itself actually pictured the communist activity as the opressed side.
I am for one china 100 percent, but are we so insecure as to censor a movie (game) like this?
A pretty good adaptation from a game, for I didn't realize it was one util I googled it after watching. And as soon as I realize that, it makes perfect sense. 'Cos the plot and the visul is definitely good game material.
On the subject matter of it, freedom is a tricky thing, like is freedom where a teacher can date a student?
But the most interesting is the fact that the film (and the game) was banned from some popular social media platform in mainland china, where the majority party is communist because the game creators(also the movie creater, i guess) are for the notion that taiwan as a standalone country, when the movie itself actually pictured the communist activity as the opressed side.
I am for one china 100 percent, but are we so insecure as to censor a movie (game) like this?
I did not finish this movie
mautanaug4 October 2020
Hmm..like north Korea
xiaohei-8011218 December 2019
Little flaws on the Cgi but it make up with Power storyline, background music and sound effects.A Unique way to use a ghost horror film to tell the true event of 38 years Taiwan martial law era that everyone live in fear , being spy on, closer one disappearing,mind was being controlled,.It's send a powerful massage of how important Freedom is.Till now still happen in these days, only the name change from Martial to Media.
Omg such a snooze fest
forhad-2022814 February 2021
History, commercial horror film. Twisted intrique
catchuanbu11 March 2020
History that own people do not want to forgot, for those who don't know must to know that history (henious) of white terror martial law period.
My first taiwan movie I am watched, Detention" is quite layered and well written, resulting in a film that is truly intriguing, to say the least. The film that begins as a thriller/survivalhorror, but using the White Terror period as background, soon becomes a historical political statement about the specific era, through the story of the protagonists
The story takes place during the 60s, the White Terror martial law period, a time when free speech was restricted and political literature, particularly text that were considered in favor of the Left, prohibited.
One day, Mr Chang disappears and Fang and Ray find themselves trapped in the school, which has changed in unsettling ways, as it seems completely abandoned, apart from the presence of demons. Searching for all the people missing, including Mr Chang, they gradually unravel the events that took place in the school and the role Fang played in them.
however, I can easily say that the atmosphere of the White Terror age and the consequences it had on people, both psychological and in the way their lives was eventually shaped, is highlighted quite thoroughly.
Shieh Meng-Ju's artful editing, that connects the different aspects of the film in a way that makes sense, while also retaining a very fitting, relatively fast pace. Furthermore, Chou Yi-hsien's cinematography is also quite accomplished, in both the depiction of the supernatural-horror setting of the "present" and the realistic-dramatic of the "past". Must watchable film.
My first taiwan movie I am watched, Detention" is quite layered and well written, resulting in a film that is truly intriguing, to say the least. The film that begins as a thriller/survivalhorror, but using the White Terror period as background, soon becomes a historical political statement about the specific era, through the story of the protagonists
The story takes place during the 60s, the White Terror martial law period, a time when free speech was restricted and political literature, particularly text that were considered in favor of the Left, prohibited.
One day, Mr Chang disappears and Fang and Ray find themselves trapped in the school, which has changed in unsettling ways, as it seems completely abandoned, apart from the presence of demons. Searching for all the people missing, including Mr Chang, they gradually unravel the events that took place in the school and the role Fang played in them.
however, I can easily say that the atmosphere of the White Terror age and the consequences it had on people, both psychological and in the way their lives was eventually shaped, is highlighted quite thoroughly.
Shieh Meng-Ju's artful editing, that connects the different aspects of the film in a way that makes sense, while also retaining a very fitting, relatively fast pace. Furthermore, Chou Yi-hsien's cinematography is also quite accomplished, in both the depiction of the supernatural-horror setting of the "present" and the realistic-dramatic of the "past". Must watchable film.
Amazing & decently worth watching
anita-225107 June 2020
The scenes are well organized, lights, music and everything are very smooth and arty. Story is powerful. The message what movies tries to tell are touching. I enter theater with scare, end up leaving crying.
For mainland chineses viewers, you should be happy be able to watch this movie freely, because you are privilage compare to those who can't. Politic are everywhere. Let your mind free while you can.
For mainland chineses viewers, you should be happy be able to watch this movie freely, because you are privilage compare to those who can't. Politic are everywhere. Let your mind free while you can.
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