Blu-ray Review – The Island (1985)

      The Island, 1985.

      Directed by Po-Chih Leong.

      Featuring John Sham, Timothy Zao, Hoi-Lun Au, Lap Ban Chan, Lung Chan, Jing Chen, and Billy Sau Yat Ching.

      SYNOPSIS:

      A teacher and six students embark on a journey to a secluded island, only to encounter three insane brothers who reside there and are in search of a new wife.

      You know how The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is considered one of the most iconic horror films ever created? And you’re aware that all subsequent Chainsaw films (except for the remake) have become even more absurd and leaned towards comedy? Now, picture that scenario set in Hong Kong, minus the chainsaw – ladies and gentlemen, we present The Island, thanks to Eureka Video.

      First released in 1985 and helmed by Po-Chih Leong, The Island opens with brothers Tai Fat (Lung Chan), Yee Fat (Jing Chen), and the slow-witted Sam Fat (Billy Sau Yat Ching) introducing a reluctant bride to their elderly mother. When the old woman deems their kidnapped target unsuitable for her sons, she demands a virgin bride for Sam before she promptly passes away.

      Determined to honor their mother's last wishes, the brothers are fortunate when teacher Mr. Cheung (John Sham) brings a group of students, including Phyllis (Hoi-Lun Au), to their remote island. Cheung is unaware of the brothers’ existence, and they initially welcome the group, offering food and drinks. However, their increasingly bizarre behavior begins to disturb the teacher. When Tai Fat – the eldest and most menacing of the three – insists that Cheung give them Phyllis as Sam’s new bride, tensions rise, leading to a struggle for survival against the disturbed trio who will go to any lengths to fulfill their mother's dying request.

      Essentially, The Island takes all the familiar elements from 1970s American horror films like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, The Hills Have Eyes, and The Last House on the Left, and presents them with a Hong Kong flair. This might sound like an intriguing concept, but the execution is mixed. The abrupt shifts from humor to horror are quite jarring, ranging from students giggling over childish remarks like ‘nipple’ and ‘dickhead’ to a scene where Yee Fat sexually assault the original bride – a moment clearly inspired by The Last House on the Left (though Yee Fat seems to have no trouble running moments later, which is peculiar). The first half can test your patience, as the brothers’ madness is evident, and the direction seems aimless, with Po-Chih Leong leading the audience back and forth.

      The pacing becomes frustrating since little of significance occurs until about the one-hour mark. After this, The Island finally falls into the anticipated rhythm as the Fat brothers adopt a fully backwoods hillbilly persona – or the Hong Kong equivalent – and begin to eliminate the students while Mr. Cheung attempts to shield them, despite some trying to play the hero. Cheung is portrayed as somewhat of a bumbling fool, which is emphasized early on to enhance his heroism later as the students' sole hope for survival, but the Fat brothers prove to be the more captivating characters.

      Tai Fat serves as the family leader, shifting from charming to brooding in an instant (the Cook), while Yee Fat, the first brother encountered by the students, is overly friendly to the point of aggression (the hitchhiker). Sam Fat embodies a man-child with an innocent facade but can be lethal if provoked (Leatherface). The roles align nicely – just substitute the barbecue rest stop in TCM with the brothers' soda shop as the final nod – and the actors deliver strong performances. However, the tonal inconsistencies and the blandness of the younger characters prevent the film from capturing the same level of menace as its inspirations.

      Although The Island looks pristine and showcases impressive location photography, it remains an entertaining survival horror film with clear influences that lean too heavily on familiarity without adding anything substantial or offering improvements. The last 30 minutes are exhilarating, as Mr. Cheung and the surviving students confront the brothers with axes, knives, and fireworks, although the buildup to this climax is lengthy and disorganized. Nevertheless, if you stay engaged, it ultimately rewards you, albeit in a more comedic than graphic manner.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

      Chris Ward