40/36
Chen Yutong, a high school student, was bullied at school, but her mother, Li Han, was unable to save her daughter from “hell.” Everyone around her turned a blind eye, and a collective silence led to even greater violence. A remake of A Place Called Silence (2022). Sam Quah’s A Place Called Silence is a gripping crime mystery that dives headfirst into the impact of bullying in a seemingly safe school environment. With a well-paced plot and well-crafted suspense, the film keeps the audience engaged throughout, although it leaves some thematic questions unanswered. The film begins with Chen Yutong, a special education student with a speech impediment, being bullied by four classmates. Soon after, these bullies are mysteriously killed. The story takes a turn when Yutong goes missing, and her mother, Li Han, who works at the school, begins searching for her while the police investigate the murder. The film’s pacing is remarkably effective, drawing viewers into the tense environment of the school and keeping them there with little room for distraction. Visually, A Place Called Silence shines, and the background score complements the visuals, adding a layer of unease that underscores each scene. Ning Chang delivers a powerful performance as Li Han, capturing the emotional strength and vulnerability of a mother driven by both love and despair. While the film effectively highlights the horror of bullying and keeps viewers engaged, it leaves a sense of dissatisfaction in its resolution. By presenting the murders of the bullies as the only form of justice, the story fails to fully address the complex issue of bullying. This narrative choice leaves a moral ambiguity, suggesting retribution without exploring any deeper solutions to the cruelty. As a result, while the film is compelling and suspenseful, it feels lacking for viewers looking for a more nuanced take on the consequences of bullying and accountability. It’s a solid watch for fans of crime thrillers, though it leaves viewers pondering the moral implications of revenge, adding a layer of ambiguity that some may find both frightening and thought-provoking.