Welcome to Silent Hill

I've just watched Silent Hill yesterday, and was overwhelmed by a mixed feeling of nostagia and deja vu. As most people already know, the movie is based on the popular video game franchise created by Japanese game giant Konami. I've played the game around 6 or 7 years ago, back on the Sony Playstation 1. I didn't think the movie would do the game justice, as the game was easily the most frightening and distubing game I've ever played. Boy was I wrong. The movie is extremely faithful to the original Silent Hill, and even pays homages to the video sequels, to the delight of many Silent Hill followers. Do not take this series as a Resident Evil wannabe. They are on totally different scales. Resident Evil's style of horror goes with sudden loud noises and surprises to provide shock and surprise, while Silent Hill induces fear through pychological and tension/suspense.

A lot of elements in the game were used for the movie as well. I've forgotten many of them before the show, but as the movie progressed the memories came flooding back in as well. The sudden change of the enviroment, known as "nightmare" in the game, was very well done in the movie. CGI was impressive, as was the plot which was almost entirely based on the 1st game. Many of the creatures found in the game made appearances as well. From Pyramid Head (left) to the Patient Demon (in a skin straight jacket), and of course who can forget the nurses in those revealing suits with skin wrapped around their heads. Some differences were obvious though, such as the change of the sex of the main character, from Harry looking for his daugher Cheryl in the game, to Rose looking for Sharon in the movie. Cybil from the 1st game surprisingly reprises her role in the movie.

On the whole, I enjoyed this movie a lot, although I must warn that not everybody would enjoy this cup of tea. Expect lots of gore and blood, but underlying the carnage also lies a very simple lesson to be learnt. Never be blinded by faith.