Sei yan mou ho yi

Set in Hong Kong "Legally Declared Dead" is a glimpse into how the lure of money can attract the darkest and most desperate aspects of humanity.

I believe this its actually based on the work of a Japanese writer. Irrespective, its tale of how how money can realise the absolute worst aspects of human nature is universal.

Themes of psychosis, nihilism, inequality, entrenched criminality, addiction, betrayal, inhumanity and its converse, are all explored. A warning up front too. This is a deeply dark film. It pulls no punches and it is, by any standards, disturbing.

Its well paced, with a creepy menace that slowly intensifies as the film scuttles, slinks and slithers towards its troubling conclusion.

Acting is outstanding too, with believable characters that are sympathetic and at the other extreme, utterly abhorrent.

Perhaps its only downside is a lack of any real sense of hope. That said, sometimes what you see is what you get and what you get, may or may not be what you and others, might feel you deserve.

8/10.