My fascination with horror and Asian culture eventually brought me to sit down to watch the 2012 Thai horror movie "9-9-81". Now, it should be noted that I didn't know that this was actually an anthology, and had I known, then I might have been hesitant about watch it.
However, writer and director Rapeepimol Chaiyasena definitely managed to put together a collection of short stories in a very great manner. I liked how each segment was in itself a short stand-alone story essentially, but they were all interwoven and connected. And I have to take my hat off for the writer here, because it was done brilliantly.
Now, not all of the stories were equally entertaining or disturbing, as it usually goes with anthologies. But the whole picture that the stories painted when paired together was enjoyable. And the interwoven storylines definitely makes it well worth taking the time to sit down and watch "9-9-81", even if you are not keen on Thai horror movies.
The acting performances in the segments were good. I wasn't familiar with anyone on the cast list, given the fact that I am by no means up to speed with the Thai cinema, as I just casually watch a Thai movie every now and again. But they had a good ensemble of actors and actresses, and they brought the characters and storylines to life nicely on the screen.
"9-9-81" is not an in-your-face type of horror movie with an abundance of scares and edge of the seat moments. So if you enjoy that style, then "9-9-81" is not a movie for you. However, if you want a stylish horror anthology with atmosphere, well-written small stories that connect to one another, then by all means sit down to watch "9-9-81".
I was genuinely entertained by this anthology, and it is something I can warmly recommend if you enjoy Asian horror.
My rating of "9-9-81" lands on a six out of ten stars.
