The world of film is currently saturated with Horror films similar to Saw and Hostel. In fact, to the average cinema goer, films such as Saw probably define the Horror genre. However, it is currently Asia that is producing the most original, surprising Horror films that last much longer in the memory than anything produced and distributed in the States.
It is therefore no surprise that Hansel and Gretel continues the tradition of outstanding Asian Horror film with its aim to entertain the audience with a good story as well as shocks.
There have been many similarities with this film to some of Guillermo Del Toro's work such as Pan's Labyrinth or The Orphanage. Initially, these comparisons seem to be wide of the mark, but as the last third of the film unravels, the similarities become clearer. In fact, it is in this final third that the film is at its strongest as things start to come together and the final twists are revealed.
All of the actors are brilliant, particularly the three youngsters at the heart of the story. They are very convincing in their roles and add some emotional weight to the film.
Overall, I would highly recommend this film to anyone that wants to see an original story that is full of imagination. A credit to the genre.
