Watch Human Lanterns

Human Lanterns is a 1982 horror film set in ancient China during the Ming Dynasty period, starring Tony Liu, Kuan Tai Chen, and Lieh Lo. The movie is directed by Chung Sun and is known for its shocking and gruesome depictions of human cruelty. The film is centered around an intense rivalry between a lantern maker, Master Wang (Lieh Lo), and his former apprentice, Tan (Kuan Tai Chen). The rivalry begins after Wang humiliates Tan in a lantern making competition, causing Tan to leave his apprenticeship in anger.

In an attempt to seek revenge on his former master, Tan devises a sinister plan to outdo Wang in the upcoming Lantern Festival. Tan creates a horrifying, life-like lantern out of human skin and challenges Wang to make an even better one. Wang accepts the challenge, and with the help of a skilled performer, turns a freshly killed woman into his masterpiece lantern.

As the two lantern makers continue to push each other to their limits, they soon realize that their obsession with creating the perfect lantern is costing lives. The movie takes a dark turn as the competition becomes personal, with both Wang and Tan resorting to murder to achieve their goals.

Human Lanterns is a brutal film that showcases the cruel side of humanity. Its plot highlights how the obsession for perfection can drive individuals to commit heinous crimes. The movie's gruesome portrayal of murder and torture scenes is not for the faint-hearted.

The movie's visuals are impressive, with intricate details given to the creation of the lanterns. The use of prosthetics and special effects adds to the realism of the horror depicted in the movie. The scenes are well shot and provide the audience with the necessary impact required for them to feel revulsion and fear.

The lead actors, Tony Liu, Kuan Tai Chen, and Lieh Lo, are fantastic in their roles. Tony Liu, who plays the protagonist, is an excellent actor, and his performance elevates his character's tragic arc. Kuan Tai Chen, on the other hand, plays the antagonist with an air of menace, but also hints at the character's underlying sense of insecurity.

Lieh Lo, who plays the master lantern maker, is the highlight of the movie. He portrays his character with a sense of dignity and grace, and his performance perfectly captures the complexities of his character's obsession for perfection.

Human Lanterns was well received in Hong Kong upon its release, but it was banned in certain countries due to its gruesome content. The movie remains a cult classic among horror fans, and its influence can be seen in later films, including the hit American horror movie, Saw.

In conclusion, Human Lanterns is a must-watch for horror fans who enjoy brutal and visceral movies. The movie's depiction of human cruelty and obsession is well-executed, and the performances of the lead actors are superb. Though not for the faint-hearted, this movie is sure to satisfy horror fans who are looking for a gut-wrenching experience.

Human Lanterns is a 1982 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.