33/15
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 the collective silence led to even more 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 tense storyline and well-crafted suspense, the film keeps the audience engaged throughout, even though 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 murdered. The story takes a turn when Yutong disappears and her mother Li Han, who works at the school, begins searching for her as the police investigate the murder. Qua’s direction is steady and deliberate, and the film’s pacing is particularly 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 highlights each scene. Ning Chang delivers a strong performance as Li Han, capturing the emotional strength and vulnerability of a mother driven by love and desperation. While the film effectively highlights the horror of bullying and keeps viewers engaged, it leaves a feeling of dissatisfaction in its resolution. By presenting the killings of bullies as the only form of justice, the story fails to fully address the complex issue of bullying. This narrative choice leaves moral ambiguity, suggesting retribution without exploring deeper solutions to the cruelty. As a result, while the film is gripping and suspenseful, it may fall short for viewers looking for a more nuanced look at the consequences of bullying and responsibility. 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 intrusive and thought-provoking.